Shakur Stevenson: Haney An “Attraction To The Public,” Open For 140 Game

Shakur Stevenson says he would be open to moving up to 140 in 2025 to fight Devin Haney because he feels he is a “appeal to the public.” The timing isn’t ideal for a fight between Haney and Shakur to break down next year.

Former two-division world champion Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) rode high and picked opposition to beat to capture two-division world titles. However, Devin, 26, has not been seen since he was soundly beaten by Ryan Garcia on April 20, and there are many questions about whether he will be able to bounce back from that defeat.

Shakur vs. Haney In 2025?

Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) already has a full plate ahead of him for 2025, with a title defense of his WBC lightweight belt against debutant Floyd Schofield on Turki Alashikh’s February 22 card in Riyadh and then possibly 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 if Tank agrees to fight Shakur. A massive offer will have to be made to Tank.

“We can put up a fight. It also depends on Devin. I am 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,” Shakur Stevenson said. Bet on yourself podcast when asked if he would be interested in fighting Devin Haney.

“Whatever you’ve seen from me, you’re going to see a better version of me on February 22,” Shakur said of his title defense against rookie Floyd Schofield in Riyadh. “I said if Zepeda dodged 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 knock on who likes the casuals. If the casuals like this man. I’m going to beat a casual favorite,” Shakur said of why he chose Schofield as his next opponent.”

Shakur’s next fight

It is interesting to hear how Shakur explains his motivation for choosing the 22-year-old Schofield as his next opponent instead of the more dangerous Andy Cruz or Raymond Muratalla.

To say that he focuses on who the randoms like is a weak argument for why Shakur chose Schofield over Muratalla. It seems that Stevenson for Floyd jr. picked because he is an easy fight without any risk. 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 is taking no chances to put up a good fight and risks seeing that Tank fight go bye-bye.

Shakur wants the pot of gold he can get against Gervonta Davis, and if he faces Cruz or Muratalla, he could get beat. That golden gold disappears at that point.