Terence Crawford has publicly called for his mentee, Shakur Stevenson, to face fellow champion Devin Haney next. The endorsement from the undisputed welterweight king adds significant weight to what is considered one of boxing’s most anticipated potential matchups at super-lightweight.
Stevenson recently became a four-division world champion by defeating Teofimo Lopez for the WBO super-lightweight title. His subsequent signing with Zuffa Boxing has increased the probability of major fights being made, particularly with Haney, who is also reportedly in discussions with the promotion. A contest between the two undefeated Americans would be a high-level tactical affair, pitting Stevenson’s defensive southpaw style against Haney’s orthodox precision and commanding jab. The primary obstacle has been a public disagreement over the fighting weight, though Haney has reportedly shown willingness to drop to a 144lbs catchweight.
Speaking on the matter, Crawford made his preference clear and outlined a series of potential bouts. He said: “I want to see him and Devin. I think that’s gonna be the fight. Listen, Devin-Keyshawn, Devin-Shakur, Devin-Tank. Devin’s in a great spot right now, he’s got a lot of good options. Devin-Ryan [Garcia], Devin-Conor Benn. All these guys can fight each other. They can round robin.”
Crawford’s comments highlight the depth of talent available for Haney, but his specific endorsement of the Stevenson fight carries the most influence. For Stevenson, a victory over Haney would solidify his standing among the sport’s pound-for-pound best. For Haney, it presents an opportunity to defeat another elite contemporary and answer questions about his power and adaptability. While Stevenson’s promotional alignment is a positive step, no official agreement has been reached. The next stage depends on whether promoters can finalise terms that satisfy two of the most skilled fighters of their generation.
