With both sides having seemingly reached an impasse in negotiations, Shakur Stevenson has offered his version of events and, unsurprisingly, blames Devin Haney for the collapse of their all-American showdown.
The two pound-for-pounds were in deep talks to collide later this year, or perhaps in early 2027, but it would now seem their hoped-for clash is dead in the water.
Most would assume this could be explained by a money-related issue but, according to Stevenson, it is more to do with a disagreement over the proposed catchweight.
Initially, the slick southpaw said he would only face Haney at a catchweight of 144lbs, while also insisting on a rehydration clause in their contract.
During their negotiations, however, Haney seemingly convinced Stevenson to drop the rehydration clause and agree to meet at 145lbs, where he would be fighting below his usual weight of 147lbs.
Stevenson, meanwhile, would have been moving up from 140lbs following his wide unanimous decision and WBO title-winning victory over Teofimo Lopez in January.
It seems plans have now changed, though, as the 29-year-old has taken to social media and explained his side of the story,
“At the 11th hour, after agreeing to 144 and then 145[lbs], DeeHoe [Haney] had his lawyer email and say that he would only fight at 147. Big waste of everybody’s time.”
At the 11th hour, after agreeing to 144 and then 145, DeeHoe had his lawyer email and say that he would only fight at 147. Big waste of everybody's time.
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) October 16, 2026
With Haney no longer a viable option, Stevenson may struggle to squeeze another fight in this year after inking a long-term promotional deal with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.
As for WBO world welterweight champion Haney, the 27-year-old has not fought since dethroning Brian Norman Jr with a unanimous decision victory last November.
