The rivalry between Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson is heating up as fans continue to call for the fight to be made.
Haney currently holds all the belts in the lightweight division, last defended with a somewhat controversial win over Vasily Lomachenko. Stevenson – who is a two-weight world champion but fresh in the 135lbs ranks – entered the ring post-fight to make his willingness to fight known.
The champion hasn’t yet made a decision one how his career will proceed, with plenty of options available as well as a move up to super lightweight never off the table.
Stevenson reportedly got creative with his attempts to make the fight when the pair were at the same event recently, sending Haney bottles of champagne and having the servers carry a board that said ‘sign the contract.’
Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson both ended up at the same party over the weekend – it’s claimed Shakur sent Haney a bottle with a message board: “Sign the contract.” pic.twitter.com/BR7Eh6NuvR
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) June 12, 2023
Haney, whose last fight three fights were with Top Rank, took to social media to say that Stevenson – also represented by the American promotional company – was ‘clout chasing.’
“Clown shit.. Bob [Arum] J Prince [Shakur’s manager] and I don’t know [what the f**k] he talking bout.. Just clout chasing. If it was a contract then we would go into purse bids because he’s my mandatory. When he really wanna fight tell his promoter. Until then.. get off my d**k.”
Stevenson responded quickly, saying he was ready to enter talks.
“Finally you speak for yourself. Bob just told the world the 3 fights he about to offer you lil bruh… Let’s get active it’s about that time.”
With a rematch against Vasiliy Lomachenko most likely not happening, and top lightweight contender, Gervonta Davis, currently in jail, it seems that Haney’s best options are Stevenson or vacate.
Meetings are ongoing, and it’s likely fans will find out his choice soon.