Shakur Stevenson says he would be open to moving up to 140 in 2025 to fight Devin Haney because he feels “public appeal.” The weather is not ideal for a fight between Haney and Shakur next year.
A former two-division world champion, Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) was riding high, picking opponents to beat to capture two divisional world titles. However, Devin, 26, has not been seen since Ryan Garcia beat him badly on April 20, and there are many questions about whether he will be able to bounce back from that loss.
Shakur vs. Haney in 2025?
Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) already has a full payday ahead of him for 2025, with a title defense of his WBC lightweight belt against newcomer Floyd Schofield on Turki Alalashikh's Feb. 22 card in Riyadh, followed by a potential title fight against #1 contender William Zepeda in the summer.
A third fight against Gervonta 'Tank' Davis in 2025 is also possible, provided the bout is negotiable. The question of money will determine if Tank agrees to fight Shakur. A huge offer would have to be made to Tank.
“We could fight. Everything also depends on Devin. I am ready to fight any fighter. They called me three times for negotiations. I'm willing to go up to 140 because I think Devin Haney is an attraction for the public and I think it would make sense,” Shakur Stevenson told Bet on yourself podcast when asked if he would be interested in fighting Devin Haney.
“Whatever you've seen from me, you'll see a better version of me on February 22nd,” Shakur said of defending his title against rookie Floyd Schofield in Riyadh. “I said I would fight him if Zepeda played me. A lot of casual fans know this kid and think he's a good fighter.
“I also want to beat who the casuals like. If casual people like this guy. I'm going to beat the random favorite,” Shakur said of why he chose Schofield as his next opponent.”
Shakur's next fight
It's interesting to hear Shakur explain why he chose the 22-year-old Schofield as his next opponent over the more dangerous Andy Cruz or Raymond Muratalla.
To say he's focusing on who appeals to casuals is a weak argument for why Shakur chose Schofield over Muratalla. Stevenson seems to have chosen Floyd Jr. because it is an easy fight without risk. Schofield is an inexperienced prospect who has looked winnable in his recent struggles against minor leaguers.
After Shakur's close fight against Edwin De Los Santos last year, in which he almost lost, he is not risking putting up a good fight and risking that tank fight as a bye.
Shakur wants the pot of gold he can get in a fight against Gervonta Davis, and if he faces Cruz or Muratalla, he could be beaten. That gold bar disappears at that moment.
