Heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk has weighed in on the highly anticipated matchup between undefeated world champions Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney, revealing who he favors as talks progress for the two pound-for-pound stars to square off later this year.
Despite previously being linked to high-profile fights with boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and hard-hitting contender Gary Antuanne Russell, it would appear that Stevenson is now firmly targeting one of his fellow elite pound-for-pound rivals for his next outing. The strategic shift marks another major career move for the talented American as he continues to seek out the biggest challenges available in the sport.
Either way, the 29-year-old is set to make his Zuffa Boxing debut before long, entering his first ring appearance since unanimously outpointing and dethroning Teofimo Lopez back in January. That masterclass against Lopez cemented his status among the very best fighters in the sport today and added yet another glittering achievement to his resume.
Rather than immediately defending his WBO super-lightweight title, however, the four-division world champion has expressed a clear and undeniable willingness to move up in weight to challenge Haney. Moving across weight classes has become a hallmark of modern boxing greatness, and Stevenson appears eager to test his exceptional technical skills against a naturally larger and equally accomplished opponent.
Should their anticipated showdown come to fruition, it is widely expected that the pair will meet at a catchweight of 145 pounds, according to the latest updates shared by Bill Haney. A catchweight bout offers a sensible middle ground for two athletes campaigning in adjacent weight classes, ensuring neither man is subjected to an excessively brutal weight-cutting process that could compromise their performance on fight night.
Additionally, the father and trainer of "The Dream" has officially ruled out the possibility of a rehydration clause being included in the bout agreement. By removing any restrictions on how much weight a fighter can regain after the official weigh-in, both competitors will be allowed to step into the ring at their absolute physical peak. Alongside these details, Bill Haney has publicly named Atlanta, Georgia, as the targeted destination for their blockbuster showdown, which is currently penciled in for November 28.
If this timeline and venue prove to be the case, it will mark a significant layoff for Haney, representing over a year since his last professional outing. That previous appearance came against Brian Norman Jr, a grueling encounter where Haney successfully claimed the WBO welterweight title with a hard-fought unanimous decision victory, showcasing his tactical discipline and elite-level boxing IQ once again.
Even aside from concerns regarding potential ring rust or inactivity, however, Usyk has told Fighthype that he firmly believes Stevenson possesses all the necessary tools to defeat his naturally bigger opponent. The endorsement from the undisputed heavyweight champion carries considerable weight, as Usyk is widely respected not only for his historic achievements inside the squared circle but also for his astute analytical mind when it comes to breaking down tactical matchups at the highest level.
Opinions among pundits and fans remain deeply divided, however. Others will naturally argue that Haney’s distinct size advantage should make him a slight favorite heading into the contest, especially given that the 27-year-old has already fully acclimatized to the rigors and physical demands of fighting in the 147-pound welterweight division. Size, reach, and natural weight divisions have historically played massive roles in elite-level boxing, and Haney’s physical stature could pose persistent problems for a fighter moving up from lower weight classes.
At the same time, the complete absence of a rehydration limit would also prove to be a tremendous benefit to the three-division world champion, who has already agreed to face Stevenson at 145lbs via social media exchanges. With both camps seemingly eager to finalize the terms and deliver a fight that boxing enthusiasts around the globe have been demanding, the stage is set for negotiations to intensify over the coming weeks as the rumored November date draws closer.
