Shakur Stevenson says he’d be open to moving up to 140 in 2025 to fight Devin Haney because he feels he’s an “attraction to the public.” The timing isn’t ideal for a fight between Haney and Shakur to go down next year.
The former two-division world champion Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) had been riding high, picking and choosing opposition to beat to capture two division world titles. However, Devin, 26, hasn’t been seen since being soundly beaten by Ryan Garcia on April 20th, and there are many questions if he’s going to be able to come back from that defeat.
Shakur vs. Haney In 2025?
Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) already has a full plate in front of him for 2025, with a title defense of his WBC lightweight belt against novice Floyd Schofield on Turki Alalashikh’s February 22nd card in Riyadh and then potentially a title fight against #1 contender William Zepeda in the summer.
A third fight against Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis in 2025 is also possible, provided the match can be negotiated. The money issue will determine whether Tank agrees to fight Shakur. A massive offer would have to be made to Tank.
“We could make the fight. It’s all up to Devin, too. I’m willing to fight any fighter. They called me three times to negotiate. I’m willing to go up to 140 because I think Devin Haney is an attraction to the public, and I think it would make sense,” said Shakur Stevenson to Bet On Yourself podcast when asked if he’d be interested in fighting Devin Haney.
“Whatever you seen of me, you’re going to see a better version on February 22nd,” said Shakur about his title defense against novice Floyd Schofield in Riyadh. “I said if Zepeda ducked me, I would fight him. A lot of casual fans know this kid, and they think he’s a good fighter.
“I also want to beat on who the casuals like. If the casuals like this guy. I’m going to beat on a casual favorite,” said Shakur about why he chose Schofield as his next opponent.”
Shakur’s Next Fight
It’s interesting to hear Shakur explain his rationale for choosing the 22-year-old Schofield as his next opponent instead of the more dangerous Andy Cruz or Raymond Muratalla.
Saying he’s focusing on who the casuals like is a weak argument for why Shakur chose Schofield over Muratalla. Stevenson seems to have selected Floyd Jr. because he’s an easy fight with no risk involved. Schofield is an inexperienced prospect who has looked beatable in his recent fights against second-tier opposition.
After Shakur’s close call against Edwin De Los Santos last year, in which he almost lost, he’s not taking any chances of fighting well and risks seeing that Tank fight go bye-bye.
Shakur wants the pot of gold he can get fighting Gervonta Davis, and if he faces Cruz or Muratalla, he could get beat. That gold bullion disappears at that point.
