WBA junior welterweight champion Gary Antuanne Russell isn’t convinced a potential fight between Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson will deliver the action many fans are expecting.
With Haney and Shakur still linked to a possible matchup at a 144-pound catchweight, Russell gave his take when asked how he sees the matchup going.
“I think it would be boring,” said Brian Custer’s website.
“Two boxers. Two boxers, a long, slow chess match. I’m talking about a stalemate at that. Not even I cornered you. I got you. It’s going to be a stalemate.”
Russell acknowledged that the fight was likely to generate strong business because of the uncertainty surrounding the outcome, but he questioned whether it would provide the kind of entertainment fans were hoping for.
“I honestly don’t think it would be a fight that would drool. I wouldn’t drool over that fight. It would make the money because people would still be in an unknown position,” Antuanne said.
The 29-year-old did credit Shakur with showing a more aggressive side in recent outings, noting that the Newark native has proven he can fight in the pocket when he wants to.
“Shakur showed himself that he can be in the pocket instead of just being defensively disciplined, not getting touched at all. Fighters are supposed to be well-rounded. They’re supposed to be able to do it all,” Russell says.
While Haney and Shakur remain without a final deal, both names continue to be mentioned among the biggest potential fights in boxing’s lower weight classes. Antuanne, meanwhile, is targeting unification fights at 140 pounds and revealed that talks are underway for a possible clash with Isaac Cruz later this year.
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Last updated on 2026/06/22 at 16:45
