Renowned trainer Calvin Ford suggests Devin Haney would see ‘no threat’ in a potential fight with Shakur Stevenson, viewing it as a pure boxing match against a non-puncher. The analysis comes as discussions for a super-fight at a 144-pound catchweight continue.
Both Haney and Stevenson stand as two of the most skilled, unbeaten technicians in boxing. Haney, the current WBO super-lightweight champion, has publicly stated his willingness to drop weight for the bout. Stevenson, a three-weight world champion, is also a free agent, making a high-stakes matchup plausible. Ford, best known as the trainer for Gervonta Davis, framed the potential contest as a purist’s fight.
He stated: “Devin – he’s a good boxer. And Shakur’s a good boxer. That’s a boxing match to be watched.”
Ford’s core analysis focuses on the psychological dynamic. He believes Haney’s calculation is based on risk assessment, seeing Stevenson as a fellow craftsman rather than a knockout artist who could end the fight with one shot. This perception, Ford argues, would make Haney more willing to engage in a technical battle.
“Devin probably sees no threat – it’s not like he’s going in against a puncher. So Devin might take a chance. [It’s about] who throws the best shots that night.”
The tactical matchup pits Haney’s size, reach, and educated jab against Stevenson’s defensive reflexes and high ring IQ. Ford’s comments imply the winner will be determined by precision and strategy, not brute force. He summarized the skill levels of both fighters concisely.
“Devin can box, and Shakur… he’s a master at what he does.”
While the lucrative Stevenson fight is the clear preference for Haney, it is not his only option. ‘The Dream’ has been ordered to face his mandatory challenger, Keyshawn Davis, presenting a more immediate and concrete obligation. Should negotiations for the Stevenson super-fight stall, Haney will have to turn his attention to the mandated title defense or risk being stripped of his belt. For both fighters, a victory would provide a definitive claim to being the best technician of their era.
