Current WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney may have cleared the largest remaining hurdle for a mega-fight with Shakur Stevenson after publicly indicating his willingness to drop down to a 144-pound catchweight.
The development follows a social media post by Devin Haney on June 4, 2026, where he shared a video of Shakur Stevenson calling him out. On June 9, 2026, Devin Haney directly asked Stevenson on X, “If I come to 144.. we have a fight?”
Shakur Stevenson quickly responded with a definitive “Yes,” signaling he is ready to finalize the terms. This breakthrough is particularly notable as Devin Haney’s father and trainer, Bill Haney, long resisted any weight below the 147-pound welterweight limit.
Bill Haney previously claimed that a fight at 144 pounds would not be for the WBO belt, though Shakur Stevenson countered that the matchup is large enough to succeed without a title on the line.
The proposed 144-pound limit represents a compromise for two champions currently campaigning in different weight classes. Shakur Stevenson protected his stance by citing the historic precedent of the Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez bout, which was also contested at a catchweight.
He argued that if both sides were serious about the contest, the weight should not be an issue given Devin Haney’s history of performing at that level.
Devin Haney and the 144-pound precedent
Arguments that a 144-pound limit would physically drain Devin Haney are countered by his recent history in the ring. In May 2025, Devin Haney faced Jose Ramirez at a 144-pound catchweight, officially weighing in at 143 pounds. During that bout, Devin Haney delivered one of his sharpest performances, using superior speed and timing to control Jose Ramirez and earn a wide unanimous decision victory.
This previous success at the specific weight appears to be the catalyst for Devin Haney’s change in heart. While Shakur Stevenson dismisses immediate Devin Haney fight rumors when they lack substance, the public agreement on weight suggests real progress. For the unbeaten Shakur Stevenson, a victory over Devin Haney would provide the signature win critics claim is missing from his resume.
Championship status and divisional history
Shakur Stevenson enters these negotiations as a four-division world champion, having already secured titles at featherweight, super featherweight, lightweight, and light welterweight. His most recent victory came on January 31, 2026, when he defeated Teofimo Lopez by unanimous decision at Madison Square Garden. That win earned him the WBO and Ring magazine junior welterweight titles, further cementing his elite status.
Devin Haney has been equally active, last appearing in the ring on November 22, 2025, in Riyadh. He defeated Brian Norman Jr. by unanimous decision to capture the WBO welterweight title. Although Rolando Romero ends Devin Haney talks by frequently criticizing the champion’s standing, Devin Haney’s resume includes undisputed lightweight honors and the WBC super lightweight title.
Zuffa Boxing rumors and mandatory complications
The sudden willingness to agree on weight comes amid heavy speculation that both fighters have signed “ironclad” deals with Zuffa Boxing. Reports suggest the promotion is targeting this matchup as a cornerstone event, with an announcement potentially looming. However, Shakur Stevenson has repeatedly pushed back against these reports, dismissing claims that he is linked to the promotion in any official capacity.
Complicating the timeline is the recent installation of Keyshawn Davis as the mandatory challenger for Devin Haney’s WBO welterweight title. Bill Haney has mentioned a “two for one deal” in private conversations, suggesting that they might view a fight with Keyshawn Davis and Shakur Stevenson as a package.
If the WBO insists on the mandatory defense, a non-title catchweight bout with Shakur Stevenson could be delayed.
Regardless of the promotional backdrop, the fighters are already focused on the competitive fallout of the match. Immediately after the weight agreement, Shakur Stevenson posted on social media that he would be “Fighter of the Year” following a win. He followed this with a message to his doubters, stating he intends to show the world his greatness and silence those playing with his name.
As negotiations continue, fans remain cautious given that fans roast Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney alike when social media talk fails to result in a signed contract. But with both men now publicly on the same page regarding the 144-pound limit, the primary excuse for the fight not happening has been removed.
The boxing world now waits to see if purse splits and broadcast rights can be settled with the same speed.
