Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has publicly backed Shakur Stevenson to defeat Devin Haney in a potential super fight between the two unbeaten stars. Usyk’s prediction, first made on July 19, 2026, during an interview with FightHype, was reported again on October 11, 2026, as both camps engage in advanced discussions for the high-stakes bout.
This anticipated clash between Stevenson and Haney, both highly ranked and undefeated, looms as one of boxing’s most compelling matchups. Tentative terms for the fight include a 145-pound catchweight and no rehydration clause, with a target date of November 28, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia. The exact details of the fight card, however, remain officially unannounced.
Usyk’s decisive backing for Stevenson
Oleksandr Usyk’s endorsement of Shakur Stevenson isn’t just a passing comment; it reflects his deep appreciation for Stevenson’s technical skill. The formidable Ukrainian champion believes Stevenson possesses the tools to overcome Devin Haney, despite the latter’s natural size advantage. Usyk first shared this conviction with Fighthype months ago.
This consistent praise from a fighter of Usyk’s stature holds significant weight in the boxing world. He previously declared in March 2026 that “Shakur is P4P #1” and “the KING” following Terence Crawford’s retirement. Such strong affirmations from a fellow elite fighter add another layer of intrigue to the potential fight speculation.
Shakur Stevenson’s relentless rise
Shakur Stevenson, 29, brings an unblemished professional record of 25-0 with 11 knockouts into this potential super fight. He currently holds both The Ring and WBO junior welterweight titles. His most recent victory saw him dethrone Teofimo Lopez to claim the WBO super lightweight title in January 2026 at Madison Square Garden.
Stevenson’s willingness to move up in weight, foregoing a defense of his WBO super-lightweight belt, underscores his ambition. This bold move signals his readiness for career-defining matchups against top-tier opponents like Haney. His impending debut with Zuffa Boxing further indicates a strategic push towards high-profile contests.
Devin Haney’s welterweight dominance
Devin Haney, 27, also remains undefeated with a 33-0 record, including 15 knockouts and one no-contest. He reigns as the current WBO welterweight champion and is ranked as The Ring’s top welterweight. Haney also features as the eighth-best pound-for-pound fighter globally, showcasing his elite standing.
His last outing was in November 2025, when he secured the WBO welterweight title by defeating Brian Norman Jr. via unanimous decision in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While his natural size at 147 pounds is an advantage, the extended layoff since his last fight could present a challenge in maintaining peak ring sharpness.
Crucial details of the proposed super fight
Discussions for the Devin Haney vs. Shakur Stevenson bout have reportedly reached an advanced stage. Both fighter camps have tentatively agreed on key parameters, moving closer to solidifying one of the year’s most anticipated boxing events. This progress highlights a mutual desire to deliver a significant clash for fans.
A critical compromise in negotiations centers on a 145-pound catchweight. This addresses the natural weight disparity, with Stevenson typically campaigning at lower weights and Haney establishing himself at welterweight. The absence of a rehydration clause further levels the playing field, ensuring both fighters compete under fair conditions. As of now, an official fight card detailing undercard bouts or specific event timings has not been released.
Negotiating weight and venue
Weight negotiations proved instrumental in advancing the fight. Shakur Stevenson initially sought a 144-pound catchweight, while Devin Haney preferred the full welterweight limit. Haney’s proposal of 145 pounds without a rehydration clause was ultimately accepted, demonstrating flexibility from both sides.
Bill Haney, Devin Haney’s father, trainer, and promoter, confirmed on the Tru Media Podcast that an official offer for the November 28 fight is “on the table.” He indicated Atlanta, Georgia, as the target destination, with the State Farm Arena being a possible venue. This location promises to draw a significant crowd for such a high-profile welterweight unification picture.
Pound-for-pound implications and legacies
The professional records and current rankings of Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney underscore the immense significance of their potential encounter. Stevenson, from Newark, New Jersey, maintains a perfect 25-0 record and is widely recognized as the number three pound-for-pound fighter.
Haney, hailing from San Francisco, California, boasts an equally impressive 33-0 record and ranks eighth pound-for-pound. This fight will undoubtedly be a clash between two of boxing’s elite talents.
A victory in this bout would propel the winner further into superstardom and significantly alter the pound-for-pound landscape. Oleksandr Usyk’s public endorsement of Stevenson also adds a compelling narrative element to the contest.
His belief that Stevenson possesses the necessary skills to overcome Haney’s physical advantages frames the fight as a true test of strategy and ring craft. This type of high-stakes contest drives interest across the sport, akin to anticipation for major boxing returns.
The road ahead for boxing’s elite
This super fight between Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney, highlighted by Oleksandr Usyk’s confident pick, represents more than just a single bout. It embodies the modern trend of elite boxers seeking challenges beyond their established weight classes.
Both fighters’ willingness to compromise on terms, such as the catchweight and rehydration clause, demonstrates a commitment to delivering marquee matchups for the fans. Such high-stakes encounters are vital for maintaining boxing’s appeal and generating fresh rivalries that captivate audiences globally.
The strategic maneuvering around fight clauses underscores the significant legacies at stake for both combatants. Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk’s assessment adds a unique perspective on this potential clash.
