Shawn Porter believes Devin Haney could force Shakur Stevenson to adapt his style, mainly by setting a pace that his more technically-gifted opponent finds uncomfortable.
The two Americans have repeatedly been going back and forth over social media, outlining their demands for a potential clash at 144lbs.
For context, Haney has verbally agreed to travel 3lbs below his preferred fighting weight, accommodating a catchweight that was initially proposed by Stevenson.
In terms of the finer details, though, it remains to be seen whether they can actually negotiate a deal, especially with Haney having been ordered to defend his title against Keyshawn Davis.
The 27-year-old claimed his WBO welterweight strap last November, becoming a three-division world champion by dethroning Brian Norman Jr with a unanimous decision victory.
But with the ‘Dream’ having missed out on the opportunity to make a voluntary title defence, he must now face mandatory challenger Davis or risk being stripped of his belt.
Alternatively, he could vacate the title and jump straight into a clash with Stevenson, who currently holds the WBO strap at 140lbs.
Either way, Porter will be anticipating a compelling chess match if they eventually lock horns, with the former two-time world champion offering a measured take on his podcast.
“I think Devin Haney is someone who can push Shakur into [being more aggressive].
“Dev is going to fight at a fast pace; Dev is going to try to control that range – the same way that Shakur does.
“It’s going to be a chess match, but Devin’s offence is going to force Shakur to be more offensive.”
Previously, Porter has edged slightly towards Haney, believing the size disadvantage to be slightly too big for Stevenson to overcome.
With Stevenson having signed to Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, and demanding the “big fights”, Haney is certainly the type of opponent that fits his criteria.
