Ryan Garcia weighs in on a potential fight between Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson, stating Stevenson would likely win. This opinion from Garcia, a rival of Haney, comes as both boxers face mandatory title defenses and negotiate a potential mega-bout.
The highly anticipated matchup remains unconfirmed as of July 20, 2026, but Garcia’s comments add another layer of intrigue to a boxing landscape eager for a definitive clash between two of the sport’s most skilled practitioners.
Garcia’s take on a Haney-Stevenson clash
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Ryan Garcia conveyed his belief that Shakur Stevenson would overcome Devin Haney in a potential encounter. Garcia characterized the possible fight as a “tough fight” for both men, acknowledging the challenges each would present.
He noted Haney’s physical stature, remarking, “Devin is a big guy. He’s a big dude, so we will see how that goes.” This assessment highlights Garcia’s consideration of Haney’s size as a significant factor in any potential matchup.
Garcia’s history with both contenders
Garcia’s insights are shaped by his personal history and ongoing rivalries with both Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson. In March 2026, the WBC welterweight champion publicly asserted that both Haney and Stevenson had “ducked” him, indicating that Teofimo Lopez was his most realistic opponent for a July return.
Earlier that same month, on March 6, Garcia took to social media platform X to taunt Stevenson directly, posting, “Just say you scared Shakur the new nick name for you is shakur shaking ass Stevenson.” This followed stalled negotiations for a 140-pound bout between Garcia and Stevenson over a rehydration clause dispute.
In June 2026, Garcia also publicly called out Devin Haney on X, stating, “Devin, I’m waiting.” This came amidst Haney’s considerations for a rematch, a fight with Shakur Stevenson, or a mandatory defense against Keyshawn Davis, underscoring Garcia’s persistent interest in another high-profile bout.
Haney-Stevenson: verbal agreements and hurdles
Despite the widespread discussion and predictions, an official fight between Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson is far from finalized. Stevenson, a four-division champion, has made it clear that a showdown with WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney is his “No. 1 priority.”
As of July 16, 2026, Stevenson confirmed a verbal agreement for an October fight against Haney at a catchweight of 144 pounds, stating he has instructed his team to proceed. However, the path to making this fight a reality is fraught with complexities.
Negotiation dynamics and promotional shifts
On July 14, 2026, Shakur Stevenson escalated public pressure by claiming on X that his part of a proposed 144-pound fight agreement with Devin Haney had already been signed. This statement appeared to contradict comments from Bill Haney, Devin’s father, indicating potential disagreements in the ongoing negotiations.
Both Stevenson and Haney have been linked to Zuffa Boxing, with Stevenson’s signing to the promotional company announced in July 2026. Such promotional alignment could potentially streamline future high-profile matchups. Previous discussions in early June 2026 on X saw Haney and Stevenson appear to agree to a 144 lb catchweight, though the agreement was pulled minutes later.
Haney’s mandatory title defense complicates plans
Devin Haney’s immediate future is further complicated by his WBO welterweight title obligations. The WBO ordered Haney to defend his title against former WBO lightweight champion Keyshawn Davis in late June 2026, a move that places a mandatory challenge before any potential Stevenson fight.
Today, July 20, 2026, marks the negotiation deadline for the Haney-Davis fight. Should both parties fail to reach an agreement, a purse bid is scheduled for July 27, 2026. Haney would receive 75% of the winning bid, with Davis taking 25%, giving Haney strategic control over his next career decision.
Elite records and career trajectories
At the heart of this potential super-fight are two boxers with impressive, undefeated professional records. Devin Haney, 27, holds a perfect record of 33 wins, 0 losses, and 0 draws, with 15 knockouts. An orthodox fighter, Haney has a 2-inch height and 3-inch reach advantage over Stevenson, having completed 246 professional rounds.
His last outing in November 2025 was a unanimous decision victory against Brian Norman Jr. for the WBO World Welterweight championship. Haney’s fight against Ryan Garcia on April 20, 2024, resulted in a no-contest.
Stevenson’s multi-division success
Shakur Stevenson, 29, boasts an equally unblemished professional record of 25 wins, 0 losses, and 0 draws, with 11 knockouts. The southpaw has fought 190 professional rounds and has secured titles across multiple divisions.
Stevenson became a four-weight world champion in January 2026 after defeating Teofimo Lopez for the WBO super-lightweight title. He has previously held world titles at featherweight, super-featherweight, and lightweight, currently ranking number 1 by The Ring in the 135-pound division.
Differing expert opinions and unexpected takes
Ryan Garcia isn’t the only voice in the boxing world weighing in on a potential Devin Haney vs. Shakur Stevenson clash. Other prominent figures have offered their own predictions, reflecting the diverse perspectives within the sport regarding this highly anticipated matchup.
O’Shaquie Foster favors Haney
WBO super-lightweight champion O’Shaquie Foster predicted on July 15, 2026, that Devin Haney would defeat Shakur Stevenson. On the Mr. Verzace podcast, Foster stated, “I think it definitely would be a chess match, but I think Devin got a little more to him. I think Devin could expose a lot with Shakur.”
Foster acknowledged that many fans might favor Stevenson but expressed confidence in Haney’s ability to make the fight appear less difficult than anticipated.
Stevenson backs Keyshawn Davis over Haney
In a surprising twist, Shakur Stevenson himself offered a candid assessment of Keyshawn Davis, Haney’s mandatory challenger. On July 19, 2026, Stevenson told Fighthype that he considers Davis a superior fighter to Haney.
“I don’t really believe there’s any better fighters in the sport right now than me and Keyshawn,” Stevenson asserted, adding, “I go in the ring with these dudes that’s not as good as him because I don’t believe Devin is as good as him.”
Stevenson also stated he would support Keyshawn receiving the WBO title fight, even if it meant forgoing his own opportunity to face Haney.
The evolving light-welterweight landscape
The ongoing discussions and varied predictions surrounding a potential Devin Haney vs. Shakur Stevenson bout underscore the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of professional boxing. Regardless of individual fighter predictions, the fight’s future remains uncertain, influenced by mandatory defenses, promotional agreements, and personal rivalries.
Should this fight ultimately materialize, it would undoubtedly represent a pivotal moment for both athletes and for the light-welterweight division. For now, the boxing world will closely watch as Haney navigates his mandatory obligations and Stevenson continues to press for this career-defining matchup, ensuring the drama continues throughout 2026.
