Devin Haney, the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion, finds himself without a scheduled opponent. This vacancy has prompted fellow boxing star Shakur Stevenson to issue a direct challenge: Haney, he argues, has no choice but to step up and face the formidable unified super-welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis. Stevenson’s pointed remarks come just as Haney’s mandatory title defense against Keyshawn Davis fell apart.
Haney, 27, secured his WBO welterweight title in November 2025 by defeating Brian Norman Jr. via unanimous decision, marking his third divisional world championship. The collapse of the Davis bout leaves the 33-1 (15 KOs) fighter needing a new direction, and Stevenson, 28, believes Ennis is the only credible option left on the table for the celebrated champion.
Shakur Stevenson’s uncompromising challenge to Haney
Shakur Stevenson didn’t hold back when he laid out his vision for Devin Haney’s next opponent, naming Jaron Ennis specifically. “You said you’d fight Conor Benn? You said you’d find Xander. Why the f**k you don’t say you want to fight Boots now?” Stevenson declared. He clearly felt Haney had been avoiding the toughest challenges.
“Matter of fact, you’ve got no other option,” Stevenson continued, pressing his point further. “There’s nobody else on the table. There’s no me, there’s no Key[shawn Davis], there’s no Rolly. Who do you go to? Boots is free. Go get him.” It was a bold statement, underscoring Stevenson’s belief that with other high-profile bouts off, Ennis presented the unavoidable next step.
Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis: A unified force emerges
Jaron Ennis has rapidly established himself as a dominant force in the super-welterweight division. After a successful run at welterweight, Ennis moved up to 154 pounds and wasted no time making an impact. He stopped Xander Zayas in June to claim both the WBA and WBO super-welterweight titles.
Known for his explosive knockout power, Ennis has earned his moniker “Boots” and a reputation as a genuine “KO artist champion.” His impressive professional record and ability to finish fights makes him a daunting prospect for any fighter considering a move up in weight. Ennis has also been linked to fights against IBF champion Josh Kelly and unbeaten star Vergil Ortiz.
The persistent Haney-Stevenson weight and purse dispute
Stevenson’s recent challenge for Haney to face Ennis unfolds against a backdrop of prolonged, often acrimonious, negotiations between Stevenson and Haney themselves. Discussions for a potential super-fight between the two champions have been ongoing for an extended period. However, they’ve consistently failed to materialise.
The primary sticking point has revolved around the fight’s weight class. Stevenson has consistently pushed for a 144-pound catchweight, arguing it would be a fair compromise for two champions from different divisions. He’s often cited the historic Floyd Mayweather Jr. versus Canelo Alvarez bout as a precedent for such an arrangement, aiming to bridge the gap between their respective natural weight limits.
But Devin Haney’s father and trainer, Bill Haney, has remained steadfast in his refusal to consider a 144-pound catchweight. He insists his son will only compete at the full welterweight limit of 147 pounds. “I would never agree to that, and I suggest Deebo never go under 147 for nobody,” Bill Haney stated, cementing their non-negotiable position on the matter.
Devin Haney has also suggested Stevenson wasn’t truly committed to the 144-pound figure, claiming “144 wasn’t enough” for his rival. Stevenson, for his part, has maintained he is “not a 147-pounder” and is “a lot smaller than them guys.” He remains willing to meet Haney at lower weights but won’t move up to 147 pounds. This fundamental disagreement has effectively stalled their highly anticipated clash.
Financial terms and the breakdown of negotiations
Beyond the weight class, financial terms also proved to be a significant hurdle in any potential Stevenson-Haney matchup. Stevenson revealed he was offered a 75/25 purse split in favour of Haney. He promptly rejected this offer, stating plainly, “I don’t think I’m the A-side, I just know my worth and 25% ain’t it.”
This proposed split aligns with WBO rules for mandatory matches, which typically award the champion 75% of the purse. But Stevenson clearly felt his market value demanded a more equitable arrangement.
The breakdown reached a head on August 5, 2026, when Shakur Stevenson declared he would “never fight Devin Haney,” stating he was “done entertaining the circus” and that the “door is closed” on the fight. He openly accused the Haney camp of “stringing him along” and “clout chasing.”
The negotiations were further complicated when Keyshawn Davis became the WBO mandatory challenger for Haney’s welterweight title. Stevenson, aiming to clear the path for his friend, publicly urged Haney to vacate the title rather than defend it. However, after Davis surprisingly declined the WBO purse bid, the door briefly reopened for Stevenson-Haney talks, though no agreement was ultimately reached.
The WBO welterweight title path for Devin Haney
Devin Haney’s recent boxing trajectory has been marked by significant achievements, including becoming a three-division world champion. His acquisition of the WBO welterweight title in November 2025 solidified his status among boxing’s elite. However, the path to his next fight has been anything but straightforward.
Haney was initially slated for a mandatory defense against Keyshawn Davis, a fight that garnered considerable attention. Top Rank secured the promotional rights for this bout with a hefty $8.5 million purse bid on July 30, 2026. Teofimo Lopez’s Takeover Promotions had also bid on the fight, offering $2.3 million.
Despite the significant earnings on offer – with Davis reportedly set to earn over $2 million – Keyshawn Davis ultimately withdrew from the contest. His unexpected decision left Haney searching for a new opponent and further fueled speculation about his immediate future. This turn of events also provided the opening for Stevenson’s strong recommendation of Ennis.
Haney’s confirmed next opponent: A Catterall clash looms
While Shakur Stevenson pushes for a high-stakes encounter with Jaron Ennis, Devin Haney’s immediate future appears to be taking a different, yet still significant, turn. Haney is now in advanced negotiations to challenge Jack Catterall for the WBO welterweight title. This highly anticipated bout is currently targeted for October 3, 2026, with talks with Liam Paro reportedly breaking down.
Jack Catterall, 32, made his move to 147 pounds last year and quickly made an impression. He captured the WBA Regular title in May by defeating Shakhram Giyasov, showcasing his pedigree in the division. The potential Haney-Catterall fight would be a compelling clash of styles, testing both fighters’ mettle.
A slight complication for Catterall, however, remains his mandatory fight against primary WBA champion Rolly Romero. The WBA ordered this fight to occur within 180 days of Catterall’s win over Giyasov. This could potentially affect the timing or feasibility of the Haney bout, though negotiations are clearly progressing.
Devin Haney, who was named Sports Illustrated’s Fighter of the Year in 2023, maintains an exclusive contract with DAZN. This means the fight with Catterall is expected to stream to subscribers of DAZN’s monthly Ultimate plan and via pay-per-view. It ensures a wide audience for his next title defense.
Shakur Stevenson’s future in the junior welterweight division
While he’s actively weighing in on Devin Haney’s career moves, Shakur Stevenson, a two-weight world champion, has his own path to consider. He currently holds the WBO and Ring belts in the junior welterweight division. Stevenson, 28, recently signed with Zuffa Boxing, signaling a new chapter in his career.
Stevenson does not currently have a fight scheduled, but his WBO mandatory defense at 140 pounds is due by November. WBO president Gustavo Olivieri confirmed this deadline. Stevenson is expected to satisfy this obligation before pursuing other opportunities, keeping him active in the junior welterweight ranks for now.
The undefeated fighter, with a record of 25 wins and 0 losses (11 KOs as of January 2026), has several intriguing options for future opponents. These include potential clashes with Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, Dalton Smith, Floyd Schofield, and Joe Cordina.
Rayo Valenzuela is also a distinct possibility, especially given that both fighters are now under the Zuffa Boxing banner. Stevenson’s comments on Haney’s situation underscore his keen eye on the wider boxing landscape.
Broader implications for boxing’s top talents
The ongoing sagas involving Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney highlight a recurring challenge in boxing: getting elite fighters into the ring together. Fan frustration often mounts when top-tier matchups fail to materialise due to disagreements over weight, purse splits, or promotional affiliations. The back-and-forth between these camps is a prime example of this.
Haney’s advanced negotiations with Jack Catterall, alongside Stevenson’s call for a Haney-Ennis showdown, underscore the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of fight negotiations. Each fighter is attempting to chart a course that maximizes both their legacy and their earnings. This means navigating mandatory defenses, voluntary challenges, and the complex web of promotional deals.
For Ennis, the unified super-welterweight champion, a challenge from someone like Haney would undoubtedly elevate his profile even further, solidifying his status as a must-see attraction.
Conversely, for Devin Haney, taking on a dangerous opponent like Ennis at 154 pounds would be a significant risk but could also cement his claim as one of the sport’s pound-for-pound best. This high-stakes maneuvering keeps boxing fans constantly speculating about what colossal showdown might be next.
Future title aspirations remain a key driver for these top athletes.
