Newark native Ash-Shakur Nafi-Shahid Stevenson is currently in discussions for a catchweight bout against Devin Haney at 144 pounds, a move that could see him surpass the historical pace set by Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.
If the 28-year-old secures a victory in this potential matchup, he remains on course to challenge for a world title in a fifth weight class before the end of 2026.
Such an achievement would make Stevenson the second-youngest fighter to reach that milestone, trailing only Oscar De La Hoya while beating the timelines of several legendary multi-division champions.
The significance of this potential jump stems from Stevenson’s rapid ascent through the scales since his 2017 debut. He has already captured major world titles at featherweight, super featherweight, lightweight, and junior welterweight.
By pursuing a fifth divisional crown, he aims to join an elite group that includes Thomas Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao, and Terence Crawford. These six men are the only fighters in boxing history to have officially conquered five different weight divisions.
Stevenson reached his current status as a four-division champion on January 31, 2026, when he defeated Teofimo Lopez via unanimous decision at Madison Square Garden. That victory for the WBO and The Ring Junior Welterweight Titles cemented his place as one of the most efficient operators in the modern era. While some com/shakur-stevenson-fans-roast-social-media-post-authenticity/”>fans roast Shakur Stevenson for his social media presence, his results inside the ring are backed by a perfect 25-0 professional record with 11 KOs.
Comparing the timelines of Shakur Stevenson and Floyd Mayweather
The race against history focuses on the age at which these milestones are eclipsed. Floyd Mayweather Jr. became a four-division champion when he won the WBC super lightweight title in 2005 at approximately 28 years old.
While Stevenson is currently the same age, his push toward a fifth belt is moving at a slightly faster clip than the timeline Mayweather established. Mayweather eventually won 15 major world championships across five divisions, but his fifth divisional jump arrived later in his career arc.
Manny Pacquiao, the only eight-division champion in boxing history, also took longer to secure his fifth divisional title than the timeline Stevenson is currently pursuing. Pacquiao’s early career in the lower weight classes meant his ascent through the scales was more gradual during his early twenties.
By targeting a fifth title before the close of 2026, Stevenson is looking to record a feat of versatility that usually takes fighters well into their thirties to accomplish.
This pursuit of history follows a period where Stevenson dismissed an immediate Devin Haney fight to focus on his current division. However, the prospect of a 144-pound catchweight has shifted the landscape for both camps. Taking on Haney at a higher weight allows Stevenson to test his frame before making a potential move to the welterweight limit of 147 pounds.
Physical attributes and the jump to welterweight
In the current era, the “undisputed” tag is a primary metric for greatness, yet becoming a five-division champion remains a much rarer feat. While several modern fighters have collected all four major belts in a single weight class, only six individuals have successfully won titles in five distinct divisions.
The physical toll of moving up in weight while maintaining elite speed is the primary barrier that stops most champions at three or four divisions.
Stevenson possesses a height of 5’7″ (170 cm) and a 68-inch (173 cm) reach, providing a physical foundation for the move. His defensive style, which has seen him limit world-class opponents to minimal connect rates, is his greatest asset as he moves up.
Smaller fighters who rely on power often struggle as they climb, but Stevenson’s game is built on precision and avoiding clean shots from his opponents.
The potential bout with Devin Haney serves as a bridge between divisions. Haney is a large fighter for the lower weight classes and provides a significant physical test.
If Stevenson can handle the strength of a natural 140-pounder like Haney at a 144-pound catchweight, the transition to challenging for a 147-pound world title becomes a logical progression. He has already shown he can dominate top-tier opposition, as seen when O’Shaquie Foster called out Stevenson following his own title successes.
Recent performances and the path to a fifth division
A win over Haney would provide the signature victory needed to silence critics of Stevenson’s fighting style. Despite his dominance over Oscar Valdez and Teofimo Lopez, a victory over a rival like Haney carries immense weight in pound-for-pound discussions. It would also validate his ability to take tactical risks against larger opponents who possess a significant reach or weight advantage on fight night.
Stevenson has remained active, maintaining his momentum with clear results over top contenders. He defended the WBC lightweight title against William Zepeda on July 12, 2025, winning a unanimous decision with scores of 119-109 and 118-110 twice. Furthermore, he secured a defensive victory against Josh Padley on February 22, 2025, by knockout in the 9th round at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Should the deal for the Haney fight close, the boxing world will turn its attention to the official date. Currently, Stevenson is expected to defend his WBO Junior Welterweight Title against mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis. The magnitude of a Haney clash might supersede those plans, as sanctioning bodies often allow for “mega-fight” exceptions when historic milestones are within reach for a champion.
Evaluating the road to the welterweight title
The road to title number five runs through the welterweight division, which is currently undergoing a period of transition. With primary figures moving up in weight, the 147-pound landscape is opening for a new generation. Stevenson’s move would likely coincide with a challenge against whichever champion holds the WBC or WBO belts in that division by late 2026.
- Stevenson’s current age: 28
- Pro record: 25-0 (11 KOs)
- Average fight length: 7.6 rounds
- Amateur achievement: 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist
The hurdles for this achievement involve both physical and administrative challenges. Stevenson was stripped of his WBC lightweight title following his move to junior welterweight, illustrating the difficulty of managing belts across multiple classes. However, his status as a major attraction in Newark and New York City gives him the leverage needed to secure these opportunities.
As the second half of 2026 approaches, the boxing community is watching to see if Stevenson can execute this ambitious plan. He is not just fighting for another belt; he is competing against the historical timelines set by Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.
Success would place his name in a territory that few ever reached, validating his position as the premier talent of this era.
