WBO and Ring Magazine super lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson has repeatedly dismissed reports of active negotiations for a blockbuster fight against WBO welterweight titleholder Devin Haney. In a series of public statements across social media and podcasts, Stevenson clarified that he has not been involved in meaningful talks, contradicting media reports that claimed preliminary discussions were underway.
The 28-year-old champion first addressed the speculation on April 27, 2026, labeling a report by Mike Coppinger as “cap for the 2nd time” on the social media platform X. Stevenson stated he hadn’t heard “one word about that” and maintained that his team was entirely out of the loop regarding any theoretical deal between the two pound-for-pound stars.
The Newark native’s firm stance comes after his dominant performance on January 31, 2026, where he defeated Teofimo Lopez by unanimous decision at Madison Square Garden. That victory added the WBO and Ring titles to his Resume. Stevenson noted he did “everything I was supposed to do” in that outing, cementing his place among the most dangerous boxers currently active in the sport.
Conflicting reports and social media tension
The rift between Stevenson and the reporting surrounding this potential matchup deepened on May 5, 2026, during an appearance on “The Agnew Podcast.” Stevenson suggested that narratives regarding a Haney fight might stem from the reporter’s close relationship with “Team Haney” rather than concrete promotional movement. He reiterated: “For me personally, I ain’t hear nothing about it.”
Despite Stevenson’s denials, the boxing world remains transfixed by the rivalry between the two unbeaten Americans. Devin Haney, 27, currently holds the WBO welterweight title following his unanimous decision win over Brian Norman Jr. in November 2025. With Haney at 33-0 and Stevenson at 25-0, the bout represents a rare meeting of two elite technical specialists in their physical primes.
And while negotiations remain unconfirmed, Stevenson has not ruled out the possibility of moving up in weight. On May 14, 2026, Stevenson’s manager J Prince stated that the champion is willing to jump from 140 pounds to the 147-pound welterweight limit. This move would accommodate Haney, who has signaled challenges in making lower weight classes.
Weight class challenges and contractual demands
Technical hurdles continue to loom over any potential agreement. On May 12, 2026, Bill Haney, the father and trainer of the welterweight champion, established strict terms for any future clash. He explicitly rejected the inclusion of catchweight or rehydration clauses, insisting that any fight must take place under standard divisional rules.
Stevenson has previously commented on the weight dynamics, noting that Devin Haney utilized a catchweight for his fight against Jose Ramirez. Such details have become a focal point of their public back-and-forth, especially as fighters seek a path to major titles and massive pay-per-view events. Stevenson remains one of the most visible champions, often seen ringside where heavyweight prospects are making waves in the London scene.
Ultimately, the disconnect between Mike Coppinger’s reports of “preliminary talks” and Stevenson’s blatant denials suggests a significant gap between media narrative and contractual reality. On May 11, 2026, Stevenson again responded directly to the reporter on X, accusing him of making up the reports based on outdated interviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Shakur Stevenson confirmed he is fighting Devin Haney?
No. Shakur Stevenson has repeatedly denied that any meaningful talks have taken place. On several occasions in April and May 2026, he labeled reports of negotiations as “cap” and stated his team has not heard “one word” about the potential matchup.
What weight would a Stevenson vs Haney fight take place at?
While Shakur Stevenson is the current WBO super lightweight champion at 140 lbs, Devin Haney holds the WBO welterweight title at 147 lbs. Stevenson’s manager, J Prince, has recently stated that Stevenson is willing to move up to the full 147-pound limit to facilitate the fight.
What is Shakur Stevenson’s current professional record?
Shakur Stevenson remains undefeated with a professional record of 25 wins, 0 losses, and 0 draws, including 11 knockouts. His most recent victory was a unanimous decision over Teofimo Lopez in January 2026.
