Shawn Porter has weighed in on a fight between Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson as the pair continue to go back and forth.
Haney has been ordered to defend his WBO welterweight world title against Keyshawn Davis, though vacating the belt for a big-money bout against Stevenson appears to still be an option.
One sticking point has been the weight. Stevenson is demanding a 144lbs catchweight, having only fought as high as 140lbs in his career so far. Haney, after first refusing, has since said he is open to the idea.
Speaking on his podcast, former 147lbs champion Porter highlighted the size of Haney as a potential problem for Stevenson.
“When you talk about a catchweight, that means you might be considered that someone’s a little bigger than you. The concern there is extremely just. I’m not saying that we need to have a catchweight, but I’m saying Devin Haney on fight night is gonna be bigger, stronger, just as fast, just as skilled. 100%. He’s gonna fill out like a middleweight.
“That’s gonna be a headache for this gentleman [Shakur Stevenson]. He has a mind where he sees the punch before it comes, but with [Haney] it’s two or three punches … That’s a great fight. And I think it might be too soon for [Shakur] because of the size.”
Haney’s order to negotiate with number one contender Davis has been set, so fans will soon have a clearer picture as to his next move. If he decides to defend the title, Stevenson will be left looking for another option and may defend his own WBO belt at super-lightweight.
Both men have been linked with a move to Zuffa Boxing – perhaps a hint that they will soon face off.
