Devin Haney’s camp has issued a clear ultimatum to Shakur Stevenson regarding their proposed superfight. Bill Haney, Devin’s father, demands Stevenson sign the 144-pound catchweight contract without preconditions, stating Devin Haney Promotions will seek other options if the deal is not accepted.
The public negotiation has stalled over Stevenson’s repeated insistence that Haney first vacate his WBO welterweight title. Stevenson argues this move would simplify the deal and allow mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis a path to the championship. Team Haney sees the title as a non-issue and a distraction from the core agreement. They have placed the responsibility for making the fight happen directly on Stevenson. The message is simple: the time for debate is over.
Bill Haney made his position unambiguous. In a public statement, he drew a line in the sand for Stevenson’s camp. “Devin Haney doesn’t need to drop anything first. Sign the 144 lb bout agreement, or DHP moves on.” This statement dismisses any further discussion about the welterweight belt and frames the negotiation as a take-it-or-leave-it offer. It is a direct challenge to Stevenson to either commit to the proposed terms or walk away from the table entirely.
This standoff places one of boxing’s most anticipated matchups in serious jeopardy. If Stevenson refuses to sign under these conditions, the fight will collapse. Devin Haney would likely proceed with a welterweight title defense or seek another high-profile opponent, leveraging his championship status. Stevenson, in turn, would be forced to find another route to a major fight, with the public fallout from the failed negotiation potentially affecting both fighters. The next move belongs to Shakur Stevenson, and it will determine if fans get to see the fight they want.
