Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. is advising WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney to refuse any catchweight for a fight against Shakur Stevenson. Jones insists challengers must move up to the champion’s division, arguing that weight concessions only weaken the titleholder and diminish the victory.
The debate centers on the conditions for a potential high-stakes bout between the two undefeated fighters. Jones believes the champion holds the leverage and should use it to protect the integrity of the title. He was unequivocal in his advice for Haney, stating the challenger must fight at the welterweight limit of 147 pounds or not at all.
“If I was him, I wouldn’t come down no weight. If you want to fight for my titles, come to my weight class and fight for the titles. If you don’t want the titles, then don’t come to my weight class. Meet me at 147. The weight class is 147. If you think you can beat me in my weight class, come see me in my weight class,” Jones stated.
From a tactical standpoint, forcing a natural welterweight like Haney down to 144 pounds could deplete his strength and stamina. For Stevenson, who would be moving up in weight, a 144-pound limit mitigates the size disadvantage. Jones sees this as a manufactured advantage that devalues the contest. He argues that a victory over a weight-drained opponent is not a true victory.
“If you want to fight me for my title, you fight me at the weight limit, because if you pull me a few pounds to beat me, basically, you weaken me and never really beat me,” said Roy Jr. “You pulled me down to be not at my best to beat me.”
Jones referenced his own career, specifically his historic jump to the heavyweight division to defeat John Ruiz for the WBA title. He made no demands of the champion, instead focusing only on meeting the division’s requirements himself.
“When I fought at heavyweight, I didn’t care what John Ruiz weighed. I’m just going to make sure I’m 200, so you can’t say I can’t fight for a title because I’m not 200. I don’t care what you weigh. I’m going to beat you at your weight because that’s how I feel, but I’m different. I want to fight you at your best. Your best is 147, that’s where I want to beat you at,” said Jones Jr.
The discussion is currently on hold. The WBO has ordered Haney to face mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis, effectively pausing any negotiations with Stevenson. This order forces Haney to either defend his belt or vacate it, adding another layer of complexity to his next career move.
