Shakur Stevenson Refuses To Let Devin Haney Megafight Slip Away

“Sending Keyshawn to petition the WBO while negotiating with us was pussy. Now we’re giving you the opportunity to take his fade, and you just showed you’re THE PUSSY,” said Bill.

The exchange suggests Stevenson has not shut the door on facing Devin Haney. His response focused on the Haney camp’s apparent change in direction rather than rejecting the fight outright.

From a business standpoint, the possible outcomes offer little upside for Shakur if Haney fights Keyshawn first. A loss would leave Haney without the WBO welterweight title and reduce the commercial value of one of boxing’s biggest available matchups. A victory would strengthen Haney’s negotiating position as a successful titleholder, making it far more difficult for Shakur to press for a 144-pound catchweight or argue for an even purse split.

The situation also affects Zuffa Boxing. The company did not sign Shakur to spend the next year facing secondary names. He is already an established attraction, and he has repeatedly said he is not a true welterweight or planning a permanent move to 147. The expectation is that he delivers major events, picks up titles in multiple weight classes, and then returns to the divisions where he is most comfortable.

If the Haney fight slips away, Zuffa faces an awkward choice. Lamont Roach Jr. may become available if he defeats William Zepeda, but that matchup offers limited commercial appeal in the United States. Matching Stevenson with another elite opponent creates unnecessary risk before one of the biggest paydays available to him.

Today’s exchange also suggests Shakur has not given up on making the Haney fight. Financially, the opportunity is strongest before Haney and Keyshawn Davis settle the WBO mandatory.