The two pound-for-pound talents had previously engaged in serious negotiations to lock horns at a 145-pound catchweight. However, those high-stakes discussions ultimately collapsed at what Stevenson later described as the eleventh hour, leaving boxing fans wondering what might have been. According to Stevenson, the promotional talks hit an insurmountable roadblock when Haney’s legal representation began insisting that the contest take place at the full welterweight limit of 147 pounds. This late demand proved problematic, especially given that Stevenson had only recently made his transition up to the super-lightweight division.
That division-shaping move for Stevenson came in January when he delivered a masterclass performance, dominating Teofimo Lopez to secure a resounding unanimous decision victory. With that statement win, Stevenson captured championship gold in a fourth weight division, further cementing his legacy as one of the most sublime technicians in the modern era of the sport. Immediately following that historic triumph, the newly crowned four-weight world champion wasted no time calling out high-profile names, looking to secure the biggest challenges available in the sport.
As for Haney, "The Dream" has been sidelined from active competition since last November. In that outing, Haney showcased his elite skill set by dethroning Brian Norman Jr. via a wide points victory, a win that crowned him as a three-division world champion and demonstrated his capability to compete effectively at higher weight classes. Looking ahead to his next professional appearance, the 27-year-old is widely expected to campaign permanently at the 147-pound welterweight limit.
If the proposed bout between Stevenson and Haney is eventually revisited down the line under mutually agreeable weight terms, Garcia believes that physical stature could play a pivotal role. Speaking to ESNEWS, the veteran former champion offered his professional assessment of how the two styles and body frames would interact inside the squared circle.
Garcia acknowledged that while both competitors possess extraordinary boxing IQ and technical mastery, Haney would likely step into the ring holding a noticeable physical advantage. "I think Devin has a size advantage, but they’re both very skilled fighters," Garcia told ESNEWS. "You can never count out Shakur."
Furthermore, Garcia pointed out that the matchup might not necessarily translate into a chaotic war for the casual observer, largely due to the defensive brilliance and tactical discipline both men exhibit. "It might not be that good of a fight, just because they’re both so technical," Garcia noted.
While the bout might lack the reckless, fan-friendly brawling that appeals to casual fans looking for non-stop knockouts, Garcia emphasized that Stevenson and Haney would undoubtedly deliver an exceptionally close, high-level tactical battle. It is the kind of intricate chess match that would be deeply appreciated by boxing purists and analysts who value defensive mastery, footwork, and ring generalship over sheer aggression.
Adding another layer of complexity to any future negotiations are recent promotional developments surrounding Stevenson. The American star recently announced that he has officially parted ways with Zuffa Boxing after the promotional banner failed to deliver even a single fight during his tenure with them. This managerial and promotional shift could theoretically pave the way for a renewed effort to make the Haney fight happen, particularly if Stevenson aligns himself with major industry players like DAZN, where Haney has frequently featured.
Despite the tantalizing prospect of the matchup, any immediate hopes of seeing the two elite fighters square off appear to be on hold. Stevenson has explicitly stated his current competitive intentions are centered on campaigning within the 135 or 140-pound weight classes for the foreseeable future, effectively ruling out a catchweight or welterweight clash with Haney for now while the promotional landscape continues to evolve.
