Ryan Garcia has picked a winner in the Devin Haney vs Shakur Stevenson fight as talks finally look to be making good progress.
Stevenson and Haney boast some of the best skills in world boxing and have been embroiled in a public back and forth for the best part of this year.
The one major obstacle standing in the way of the fight taking place has been weight. Haney was keen to continue campaigning as a fully-fledged welterweight after his win over Brian Norman Jr for the WBO belt last year, while Stevenson – who has fought just once at super-lightweight – suggested a catchweight and rehydration clause to even the playing field.
Late last night, the pair appeared to verbally agree to meet at 145lbs.
Garcia knows Haney well, having faced him six times in the amateurs and once as a pro. That night in 2024, he upset the odds by knocking Haney down three times on his way to a majority decision win.
However, Garcia – who had failed to make the super-lightweight limit of 140lbs and was therefore not eligible to win Haney’s title – tested positive for a banned substance and saw the result overturned to a no contest.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV when the fight was being discussed earlier this year, Garcia backed against his bitter rival, but admitted that the weight could be an issue for Stevenson.
“I don’t know why they are fighting, but it’s a big fight if they get it done. That’s a tough fight for both of them, I hope that the best man wins.
“My first instinct says that Shakur will win, but Devin is a big guy. He’s a big dude, so we will see how that goes.”
More details should soon emerge if contracts are being exchanged behind the scenes, notably if Stevenson has given up on the rehydration clause completely. If that is the case, it means that, while Haney may struggle on the scales after cutting those two extra pounds, he will be significantly bigger come fight night.
Garcia is planning a unification bout with Teofimo Lopez following his impressive win over Conor Benn, and will likely be waiting for the winner of Haney-Stevenson should he come through with another belt added to his collection.
