Shakur Stevenson is intent on getting his shot at lightweight glory against undisputed champion, Devin Haney.
Although just one fight deep into his 135lbs campaign, Stevenson’s previous achievements in two divisions have landed him the WBC mandatory slot – just one of four belts Haney currently holds.
The undefeated 26-year-old from Newark has now instructed his team to contact the WBC in an attempt to enforce the fight, as per Boxing Scene.
In a letter to the sanctioning body, Stevenson’s co-manager asked for a 30-day negotiation period to begin.
“Consistent with WBC Rule 3.7, Shakur Stevenson has been designated the mandatory challenger for Lightweight Champion Devin Haney. While we have tried for the last several weeks to negotiate a bout with Mr. Haney on Mr. Stevenson’s behalf, we have not made much progress.”
“Therefore, we respectfully ask that the WBC officially order the bout pursuant to Rule 2.8 so that the “Free Negotiations Period” can begin. I am confident that once the thirty (30) day negotiation deadline is set, we will make more headway. In the event we cannot reach an agreement, Mr. Stevenson intends to enforce his mandatory position through the purse bid process.”
Stevenson previously disclosed an offer of 25% of the purse, which he publicly turned down.
Should the WBC get involved, it will make Haney announce his next move regardless of whether or not it’s his domestic rival.
The other option for the young undisputed champion is a rematch with Vasily Lomachenko. The Ukrainian’s team strongly feel he was hard done by in their recent fight, and have also petitioned the sanctioning bodies.