Despite recent public comments from both fighters, the bout between Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson is not yet done.
Earlier in the year, talks appeared to collapse when the weight for the fight was addressed, with Haney looking to remain at welterweight and Stevenson – who has fought just once at super-lightweight – insisting on a catchweight and even a rehydration clause.
The pair began directing online posts towards each other again late last month, and a breakthrough was made when both agreed publicly to a 145lbs catchweight. There was no mention of a rehydration clause, which had been a major sticking point for Team Haney.
Many fans assumed that the finer details would now be worked out and signed behind the scenes, but there still appears to be work to be done.
Following a post from Haney’s father and trainer, Bill, insinuating that Stevenson’s side has gone quiet, Ring Magazine’s Mike Coppinger revealed that the hold-up is now money-related.
Money mostly but I believe it will get done
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) October 12, 2026
A November 28 date in Atlanta previously mentioned by Bill seems extremely unlikely now, though fans will be content if the fight gets made at all.
Should it happen, it will represent one of the best technical battles in the sport today.
Stevenson’s latest move up in weight saw him comprehensively outclass Teofimo Lopez to win the WBO super-lightweight world title, but faces another five-pound jump and a fellow technician in Haney.
Haney looked perfectly comfortable at welterweight against hard-hitting Brian Norman Jr. last November, dropping the former champion to snatch the belt via unanimous decision. If the terms are as publicly discussed, he will have a big size advantage on fight night.
