Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson seem destined to fight, but an offer this year viewed unacceptable by the latter has kicked the bout further into the future.
After defending his undisputed lightweight title against Vasily Lomachenko, Haney was expected to face WBC mandatory challenger, Stevenson.
What followed was a 75/25 purse split offer in the champ’s favour – something Shakur said was not representative of his worth. Many have given their opinion on the talks, and that now includes Barry McGuigan.
Writing in his column in The Mirror, the Hall of Fame fighter said the offer was a clear statement that Haney didn’t want the fight.
“Shakur Stevenson is stepping up from super featherweight to challenge Edwin De Los Santos when the fight the public really wants to see is against Devin Haney.
The 75/25 split offered by Haney, who is moving up to super lightweight instead to take on Regis Prograis, tells you how much he fancied the assignment. It was an insult that screamed ‘I don’t want that fight’. Stevenson duly told him where to get off.”
Stevenson will instead fight Edwin De Los Santos for the vacant WBC title, made so since Haney will move to super-lightweight to challenge Regis Prograis for his belt.
McGuigan believes Stevenson wins it, and hopes he can look good enough to set up the clash with his amateur rival.
“It’s a shame Stevenson and Haney didn’t get it on. Haney is not really to my taste, but I believe Stevenson has a special glow about him. But it needs a boost.
His skill is sublime but that is not enough to be a superstar. You have to show guts, to take on all-comers and take people out. This is a straightforward fight for him and will not move the needle. Hopefully it acts as a calling card to Haney.”
He faces De Los Santos on November 16, whilst Haney-Prograis is on December 9.