Landon Buford
In a strategic move to nudge negotiations forward for their highly anticipated fight, Shakur Stevenson devised a creative plan to convey his message to Devin Haney. Choosing Kamp Houston in Houston, Texas, as the setting, a lounge/ restaurant as the venue for its exceptional outdoor dining experiences, Stevenson orchestrated the delivery of bottles with a simple yet powerful message: “Sign the contract.”
Kamp Houston, with its exquisite ambiance and reputation for hosting gatherings, provided the perfect backdrop for this unique gesture. Devin Haney, surrounded by the elegance and sophistication of Kamp Houston, was caught off guard by the sight of the bottles with a message to sign the contract and didn’t look like want any parts of it.
The message resonated with serving as a potent reminder of the fight that awaited them. Stevenson’s bold move at this venue conveyed his determination and urgency, emphasizing the significance of signing the contract and solidifying their impending clash.
After Devin Haney secured a controversial victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko, the focus immediately shifted to his next opponent, and Shakur Stevenson wasted no time in throwing his name into the mix. While Haney emerged victorious by unanimous decision, many believed Lomachenko had done enough to deserve the win. Despite the calls for a rematch, Haney’s team seemed reluctant to entertain the idea. Although he holds all the belts at lightweight, fans and pundits often place him below knockout artist Gervonta Davis and two-weight world champion Shakur Stevenson in the division’s pecking order.
Following Haney’s successful title defense, Stevenson, the highly touted rising star in the 135-pound division, entered the ring with hopes of stirring up excitement for an all-American showdown. While Haney made a swift exit, there was a brief exchange between the two fighters. Haney declared himself as the number one, to which Stevenson promptly replied, “For now, bro.”
Stevenson’s aspirations for a shot at the lightweight belts may materialize even without facing Haney directly. Haney is considering a move up to the 140-pound division due to struggles with making weight. As a result, Stevenson might have an opportunity to contend for the vacant titles. Haney finds himself in high demand, with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum mentioning potential matchups against Stevenson, Teofimo Lopez, or even a rematch with Lomachenko. Furthermore, Haney has reportedly reached out to Eddie Hearn to explore the possibility of a super-lightweight fight against Regis Prograis.
On the other hand, Stevenson has expressed that a lucrative showdown with Gervonta “Tank” Davis would be his ideal money fight. Such a clash would captivate fans due to the intriguing clash of styles. Davis recently secured an impressive victory over Ryan Garcia, solidifying his status as one of the most sought-after fighters in the sport.
With Haney contemplating his next move and Stevenson eyeing his own path to the top, the lightweight division is brimming with exciting possibilities. Whether they face each other or go separate ways, both fighters have the opportunity to further cement their status among the elite and captivate the boxing world with their skills and determination.
