Shakur Stevenson Eyes Devin Haney at 140, Sees him as Public Attraction
Shakur Stevenson has openly expressed his interest in moving up to 140 pounds to face Devin Haney, as he believes Haney is still a major draw for boxing fans. The two-time division world champion Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) is a popular name in the sport, but his situation is currently uncertain after a loss to Ryan Garcia earlier this year. That defeat has raised questions about Haney’s future in the sport and whether he can bounce back and regain his former status.
Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs), who holds the WBC lightweight title, has made it clear that he’s open to challenging Haney at 140, believing it would make for an exciting match that fans would be eager to watch. “Devin Haney is an attraction to the public, and it would make sense to fight him,” Stevenson stated in a recent interview. Despite having his own busy schedule for 2025, including title defenses and possibly facing top contenders like William Zepeda and Gervonta "Tank" Davis, Stevenson is willing to step up and face Haney if the opportunity arises.
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Although a fight between Stevenson and Haney is not currently in the works, the idea of it happening in 2025 has gained attention. Shakur Stevenson is preparing for his upcoming fight against Floyd Schofield in February, followed by a potential summer showdown with Zepeda. There’s also the chance of a long-awaited third bout with Tank Davis, depending on how the negotiations unfold. While Stevenson focuses on these challenges, he still keeps the possibility of fighting Haney on his radar.
One of the reasons Stevenson has mentioned for moving up to 140 pounds is his belief that Haney's popularity is still a significant factor in the sport. Shakur sees a potential matchup as something the public would get behind, drawing attention and generating big revenue for both fighters. With Haney currently in a bit of limbo after his loss to Garcia, Stevenson sees the opportunity to capitalize on Haney's status as a draw and provide fans with an intriguing clash in the future.
Stevenson’s choice to face Schofield next, despite some criticism over the lack of challenge, reflects his focus on maintaining his championship status without risking his plans for bigger fights. He has stated that he aims to perform even better than before and prove he’s capable of taking on bigger names. Stevenson’s strategy of selecting opponents that appeal to casual fans, even if they seem less challenging, could be seen as a cautious approach to avoid setbacks while staying in the public eye.
In the world of boxing, where timing and opportunities are crucial, Stevenson’s interest in Haney at 140 pounds is more than just a potential bout—it’s about aligning his career with the right moments to maximize his impact. As Haney contemplates his future, particularly after his loss to Garcia and the resulting hiatus, Stevenson is positioning himself for what could be a highly anticipated showdown in the years to come.
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