In the world of boxing, there is one fight that fans have been longing to see – Shakur Stevenson versus Devin Haney. This dream matchup has been highly coveted, but according to Stevenson himself, it will likely never happen. Why? Because Haney knows he won’t win.
Stevenson, a 26-year-old with a record of 20-0 (10 KOs), recently appeared on the “TMZ Sports” TV show to discuss Haney’s future plans after the undefeated fighter announced his move up to a higher weight class. Stevenson didn’t hold back in expressing his thoughts on the matter.
“It ain’t really a hope, it’s ‘I dare him,’ like I dare him to come back to 135 [lbs.] and try me,” Stevenson said confidently. “Like I pray that that’s what he plans on doing and I can show the world I’m the truth.”
While Stevenson is currently focused on a potential fight against Vasyl Lomachenko, he is hopeful that the pieces will fall into place for a showdown with Haney in the future. “After everything unfolds and he fights Regis [Prograis] and I fight Lomachenko and they can build and make that a big fight, I dare him to come down to 135. I dare him!” Stevenson exclaimed.
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The animosity between Stevenson and Haney is not a recent development. These two fighters have been on a collision course for years, with tensions reaching their peak when they exchanged words in the ring after Haney’s controversial decision win against Lomachenko.
Devin Haney told Shakur Stevenson, “I’m number one,” as he left the ring after his win over Vasyl Lomachenko and Shakur replied, “For now.”
For now, Haney is shifting his focus to the 140 lb. weight class, leaving the Stevenson fight up for grabs. When asked why Haney wouldn’t want the opportunity to prove himself as the superior fighter, Stevenson had an interesting response.
“I think as far as for him to come back down and fight me is dangerous,” Stevenson speculated. “It’s a dangerous thing to do. I think that’s maybe the reason, I’m a big risk. I’m hard to deal with for anybody, and I think he knows that. He’s been around me for years, so it’s hard to deny the fact that I’m a big risk.”
Stevenson believes that Haney doubts his ability to win the fight, despite having confidence in himself. “Yes! Yes! I think he believes in himself, but I think when it comes down to me, he knows deep down inside, he knows that I’m the truth.”
While fans eagerly await the possibility of this highly anticipated matchup, Stevenson doesn’t seem optimistic about the chances of it happening. “If I’m being honest, I’d say 20% chance the fight happens,” he revealed. “The logic that they’re putting out there is [Haney’s] gonna go up for this one fight and then come right back down and fight me for the belts, but, like, I just don’t see him being that bold. I don’t think he’s got that in him, so I’d say 20% chance.”
In addition to discussing Haney, Stevenson also shared his thoughts on another dream matchup – his mentor, Terence Crawford, taking on fellow legend Canelo Alvarez. Stevenson believes that Crawford would come out on top in that battle.
As the boxing world eagerly awaits the possibility of Stevenson versus Haney, the anticipation continues to grow. Will these two fighters ever step into the ring together? Only time will tell. But for now, fans can only hope that Stevenson’s prayers are answered and their desires for this epic showdown become a reality.
