Shakur Stevenson Hints at Facing Devin Haney at 140
When two-division champion “Fearless” Shakur Stevenson (20-0, 10 KO’s) hopped in the lightweight division, it was easy math to deduce a fight occurring with undisputed 135-pound champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (30-0, 15 KO’s). Unfortunately for fans of that duel, Haney was preoccupied with other business. Instead, The Dream staged the second defense of his undisputed status versus three-division champion Vasily Lomachenko, who he beat by way of unanimous decision back on May 20.
Now, The Dream is finalizing negotiations with WBC super lightweight champion Regis “Rougorou” Prograis. Stevenson is on record saying he neither thought Haney was scared or that he would get a fight at 135. By his calculation, Fearless felt that the undisputed champion was being practical having realized he can no longer perform at his best as a lightweight.
While speaking on the DAZN Show, Stevenson was directly asked about his availability to fight The Dream at super lightweight.
“I wouldn’t count it out, we’ll see. I wouldn’t count it out!”
BIRD IN THE HAND
Obviously, with Haney exiting the lightweight landscape, his belts are left somewhat in limbo. This was a specific gripe that his next opponent, Prograis, was particularly vocal about. He feels that Haney should be stripped . Realistically speaking, Stevenson should be right around the corner from a title fight at 135. He currenlty ranks #1 (WBO), #2 (WBC), #5 (IBF) and #7 (WBA).
Alternatively, provided that The Dream prevails, he could attempt to challenge the new champion to a showdown at super lightweight. However, that fight likely would run into the same negotiation issues that their lightning-quick talks suffered at lightweight.
[Stevenson on why he passed on Haney fight offer] “I really was thinking I should take this just to call his bluff, because I really don’t think that was for real . . . I think that it was really a bluff . . . I ain’t see that happening. I think that it would have been me calling his bluff. If I would have took it, it was going to be something else.”
Regardless of how a brouhaha between Stevenson and Haney would play out, 3Kings Boxing will be here to keep you abreast of all the latest developments.
