A potential all-American fight between Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson has been one of the most talked about match-ups in boxing over the past six months, although it does not look to be one that is likely to happen in the near future.
That is, in part, due to Haney’s decision to move up to super lightweight for the chance to become a two weight world champion against Regis Prograis, with Stevenson set to fight for the WBC title Haney will leave vacant in order to do so.
And in a recent interview with Fight Hub TV, Top Rank Bob Arum indicated that was a wise move from Haney, and that he would back Newark favourite Stevenson to get the better of him.
“I don’t think Haney was particularly anxious to fight Shakur. Because, it’s frankly a fight that Shakur is going to win.”
“So Haney is better off fighting at 140, where his body is calling for. It’s more and more difficult for him to make the 135 limit.”
Haney is to be named champion in recess by the WBC, meaning he will be guaranteed a shot at whoever holds the title should he decide to return to lightweight.
This, however, seems unlikely. ‘The Dream’ has made no secret of the fact he has been struggling at the 135lbs limit for a while, and it’s hard to imagine he will be too keen on boiling down again after having had a taste of the extra weight at 140lbs.
Though Stevenson is in line to fight for the WBC world title next, it remains unclear who will be in the opposite corner. Vasily Lomachenko, the #2 contender, has opted to swerve a fight with Stevenson and stated he wants a break from the sport.