“Let’s dispel the rumor that it’s over, or it’s stopped because of the money,” Bill told the Sean Zittel channel. “Secondly, that it was stopped because of the weight. Thirdly, the legacy. All the components are intact for it to be a mega-fight.”
Bill questioned what was preventing the fight from being done now that Devin had agreed to meet Shakur at a catchweight of 144 pounds.
“What’s stopping Shakur Stevenson from stepping into the ring with Debo Devin Haney if the 144 catchweight has been agreed upon?” Haney said. “We’ve been patient and we’ve dispelled any misconception that the fight can’t be about weight, money or legacy. This is the one for number one.”
Although Bill and Devin continue to push Shakur, Bill admitted that Keyshawn remains an option if a deal cannot be reached.
“If it’s not Shakur, then it’s Keyshawn,” Haney said. “There are other guys on the list.”
Haney also revealed that his team had hoped to reach agreements involving both Stevenson and Davis.
“We wanted to do two contracts, two separate contracts with one agreement that they would follow each other,” Bill said. “But guess what? If we can just agree to get one of them, then it’s going to be him.”
The comments come as the WBO moves to name Keyshawn as the mandatory challenger for Haney’s welterweight title. WBO President Gustavo Olivieri recently indicated that Keyshawn is next in line for a title shot, although an official order has yet to be issued.
However, Bill insisted he is not ready to walk away from negotiations with Shakur.
“I might walk away,” Bill said. “But I’m not walking away today.”
