Shakur Stevenson silent on Devin Haney’s 144lb catchweight…
Shakur Stevenson still hasn’t responded to Devin Haney’s 144lb catchweight offer
Promoter Bill Haney says the real fight isn’t the fight itself—it’s getting Shakur Stevenson to sign the contract for a 144lb catchweight showdown with Devin Haney.
Devin Haney’s team floated a 144-pound catchweight for a potential showdown with Shakur Stevenson, but Stevenson has yet to respond to the offer. The proposal lands in a negotiation deadlock, with Stevenson’s camp silent and Haney’s camp framing the contract talks as the real battle. Bill Haney, Devin’s promoter, called the backroom wrangling the biggest hurdle, not the fight itself.
Haney also named Gervonta Davis as Devin Haney’s top target once Stevenson’s status became uncertain, dismissing Stevenson as an “easy win” and shifting focus to Davis as the marquee alternative. The move underscores how contract logistics now dictate the sport’s marquee matchups more than in-ring dynamics. Keyshawn Davis, Boots, Xander and Ring Magazine’s rankings surfaced in the broader conversation about who could step in if Stevenson remains on the sides, but the core issue remains Stevenson’s silence on the 144lb catchweight proposal.
The 144lb catchweight itself is a tactical gamble by Haney’s team. Historically, catchweights in boxing are used to bridge divisions when neither fighter can comfortably move up in weight class. Stevenson, a two-division world champion at lightweight and super lightweight, typically competes around 135-140lbs, while Haney, a former lightweight and junior lightweight titlist, has fought at 135-140lbs but officially competes at lightweight (135lbs).
A 144lb catchweight would force Stevenson to carry an extra 4-9lbs, a significant physical demand that could sap power and stamina in a high-stakes bout. Haney’s willingness to accept the catchweight while targeting Davis as the fallback reveals a calculated risk-reward strategy. Davis, a bigger draw and a natural lightweight, would require a similar weight adjustment but brings a larger payday and global appeal.
The pivot to Davis isn’t just about Stevenson’s silence—it’s about maximizing commercial potential. A Davis fight could headline pay-per-views and secure marquee sponsorships, whereas Stevenson, despite his talent, may not command the same revenue without a proven crossover draw. The catchweight proposal also exposes deeper fractures in the lightweight division’s hierarchy.
Stevenson, despite holding belts at 135 and 140 pounds, has yet to face the division’s most marketable names. His reluctance to engage with Haney—who holds the WBA lightweight strap—suggests a strategic preference for avoiding a unification bout that could dilute his own star power. Meanwhile, Haney, who has struggled to headline major cards since losing to Vasyl Lomachenko in 2022, needs a marquee scalp to reignite his commercial appeal.
The standoff is less about athletic matchups and more about leverage, with both sides testing the other’s willingness to compromise on terms that favor their long-term interests. The silence from Stevenson’s camp also reflects broader industry trends. Fighters at Stevenson’s level now have agents and advisors who prioritize career longevity and brand safety over immediate paydays.
Stevenson’s recent split decision loss to Edgar Berlanga in September 2023—his first professional defeat—has likely made his team more cautious about signing fights that don’t align with their long-term vision. Haney’s camp, on the other hand, is under pressure to deliver a blockbuster after a string of unimpressive performances in high-profile bouts, including a lackluster unanimous decision over Ryan Garcia in April 2024 that failed to silence critics of his defensive style. What’s next: Haney’s camp will continue pressing Stevenson’s team while pursuing Davis as the primary fallback.
A Davis fight would require a weight adjustment and a fresh negotiation cycle, likely pushing any bout into 2025. Promoters and managers are increasingly using catchweights as leverage in contract negotiations, turning what was once a rare accommodation into a standard bargaining chip. The Stevenson-Haney standoff is a case study in how weight clauses can dictate the trajectory of careers, with fighters forced to weigh the financial upside of a lucrative but physically taxing catchweight fight against the long-term risks of overexertion or injury.
The outcome of this standoff could set a precedent for how future cross-division matchups are structured, potentially normalizing catchweights even further—or pushing fighters to demand stricter limits to protect their health and performance. Read at Bad Left Hook
Why this matters
Haney’s comments expose how contract negotiations, not athletic readiness, now decide boxing’s biggest fights. Stevenson’s silence and Davis’ emergence as the fallback option reveal a sport where promoters prioritize star power and risk management over pure competition. The episode highlights the growing power of promoters and the fragility of dream matchups when dollars and clauses matter more than the belt. It also underscores the increasing reliance on catchweights to manufacture marquee matchups, often at the expense of natural weight-class alignment and fighter health. The standoff reflects a deeper shift: fighters are becoming more selective, while promoters are weaponizing weight clauses to manufacture fights that serve their bottom lines rather than the sport’s competitive integrity.
Frequently asked
What is a catchweight in boxing?
A catchweight is an agreed-upon weight between two fighters that sits above or below the division limit, used when neither side can make the official weight for a title shot.
Why did Devin Haney propose a 144lb catchweight for Shakur Stevenson?
Haney’s camp aimed to bridge the gap between Stevenson’s usual lightweight range and Haney’s junior lightweight division, making the fight possible without either fighter fully moving up in weight class.
Who did Bill Haney name as Devin Haney’s top target after Stevenson?
Gervonta Davis was identified as Haney’s top target once Stevenson’s status became uncertain, signaling a pivot to a higher-profile fight that could draw bigger revenue.
Has Shakur Stevenson responded to the 144lb catchweight offer?
No. Stevenson’s camp has not publicly accepted or declined the proposal, leaving the potential fight in limbo.
What other names surfaced as alternatives if Stevenson declines?
Keyshawn Davis, Boots, Xander and Ring Magazine’s rankings were mentioned as potential replacements, but no formal offers have been reported.
How common are catchweights in elite boxing matchups?
Catchweights are increasingly common at the elite level, especially when promoters seek to create cross-division or crossover fights. They allow flexibility but often come with added risks for fighters who must carry extra weight in high-stakes bouts.
