Shakur Stevenson vs Devin Haney is ‘in talks’ but one major issue stands in the way

Kerr Ferguson

Shakur Stevenson vs Devin Haney is ‘in talks’ but one major issue stands in the way
Image credit: Getty

Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney are reportedly in talks for an all-American superfight.

Stevenson scored the biggest victory of his career this year, moving up to super-lightweight to beat Teofimo Lopez and become a four-division world champion.

Haney has won titles in three weight classes and was undisputed at lightweight. Most recently, he beat Brian Norman Jr for the WBO welterweight world title.

Both men impressed in their latest victories and are widely regarded as two of the most technically elite fighters in the sport today. A fight between them has long been discussed, and The Ring’s Mike Coppinger reported that it could now become a reality, if one key obstacle – an agreed weight limit – can be overcome.

That issue is not easily solved and may prove too big for negotiations to overcome. Haney has said he feels his best at welterweight and looked drained on the scales at super-lightweight. Stevenson’s argument is that his rival faced Jose Ramirez at a 144lb catchweight last year and could do the same again. Though Haney handled the weight well and performed effectively on the night, there is no question he would be at a disadvantage.

Stevenson, however, would argue he is still a natural lightweight – despite looking comfortable at 140lbs against Lopez – and that meeting below the welterweight limit creates a more even playing field.

Whether that can be agreed behind the scenes remains to be seen. A significant purse may help move things forward, but with undefeated records, pound-for-pound status and the position as the face of American boxing all at stake, both Stevenson and Haney will be careful in what they sign up for.

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