Shakur Stevenson says he would be open to moving to 140 in 2025 to fight Devin Haney because he feels like “Attract the audience.” The timing is not ideal for a fight between Haney and Shakur next year.
Former two-division world champion Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) has been riding high, picking and choosing which opponent to defeat to capture two world titles in the division. However, Devin, 26, has not been seen since being brutally beaten by Ryan Garcia on April 20, and there are many questions as to whether he will be able to come back from that defeat.
Shakur vs. Hani in 2025?
Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) already has a full plate in front of him for 2025, with a WBC lightweight title defense against rookie Floyd Schofield on Turki Alashik's card on February 22 in Riyadh and then potentially a title fight against the #1 contender. William Zepeda In the summer.
A third fight against Gervonta 'Tank' Davis is also possible in 2025, provided the bout is negotiated. The question of money will determine whether Tank will agree to fight Shakur. You must make a huge offer to Tank.
“We can take the fight. It's all up to Devin as well. I'm willing to fight any fighter. They've called me three times to negotiate. I'm willing to go to 140 because I think Devin Haney is a draw for the audience, and I think that “It would make sense.” Bet on yourself podcast when asked if he would be interested in fighting Devin Haney.
“No matter what you see from me, you will see a better version on February 22,” Shakur said of his title defense against rookie Floyd Schofield in Riyadh. “I said if Zepeda beats me, I'll fight him. A lot of casual fans know this kid and think he's a good fighter.
“I also want to beat people who like casuals. If casuals are like this guy. I'm going to beat a casual candidate,” Shakur said of why he chose Scofield as his next opponent.
Shakur's next fight
It will be interesting to hear Shakur explain his rationale for choosing 22-year-old Schofield as his next opponent instead of the more dangerous Andy Cruz or Raymond Muratala.
Saying he focuses on who models like is a weak argument for why Shakur chose Scofield over Muratala. Stevenson appears to have chosen Floyd Jr. because it is an easy fight with no risks. Schofield is an inexperienced prospect who has looked beatable in his recent fights against top-tier opposition.
After Shakur's close call against Edwin de los Santos last year, in which he almost lost, he is not taking any opportunity to fight well and risks seeing this tank battle end in a bye.
Shakur wants the pot of gold he can get in the Gervonta Davis fight, and if he faces Cruz or Muratala, he could get beaten. Those gold bars disappear at that point.
