Shakur Stevenson: Haney a “public attraction,” open for 140 games

Shakur Stevenson says he would be open to moving up to 140 in 2025 to fight Devin Haney because he feels he is a “attraction of the public.” The timing is not ideal for a Haney-Shakur fight to go down next year.

Former two-division world champion Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) had been riding high, picking and choosing opposition to beat to capture the two-division world championships. However, Devin, 26, has not been seen since he was soundly beaten by Ryan Garcia on April 20, and there are many questions as to 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 novice Floyd Schofield on Turki Alashikh’s February 22 card in Riyadh and then potentially a title fight against # 1 challenger William Zepeda in the summer.

A third fight against Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis in 2025 is also possible, provided the fight can be negotiated. The money issue will determine if Tank agrees to fight Shakur. A massive offer would have to be made to Tank.

“We could make the fight. It’s all up to Devin as well. I’m 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 for 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 of me, you’re going to see a better version of me on February 22,” Shakur said of his title defense against novice Floyd Schofield in Riyadh. “I said if Zepeda showed up, I’d fight him. A lot of casual fans know this kid and they think he’s a good fighter.

“I also want to hit on who the casuals like. If the casual like this guy. I’m going to hit on a casual favorite,” Shakur said of why he chose Schofield as his next opponent.”

Shakur’s next match

It’s interesting to hear Shakur explain his reasoning for choosing the 22-year-old Schofield as his next opponent over the more dangerous Andy Cruz or Raymond Muratalla.

To say he focuses on who the casuals like is a weak argument for why Shakur chose Schofield over Muratalla. Stevenson appears to have chosen Floyd Jr. because he is an easy fight with no risk. Schofield is an inexperienced prospect who has looked beatable in his recent bouts against second-tier opposition.

After Shakur’s close call against Edwin De Los Santos last year, where he almost lost, he is taking no chances to put up a good fight and risk seeing the 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. The gold bar will disappear at that point.