The boxing world has come alive as Shakur Stevenson eyes the vacant WBC world lightweight title. However, the 16-1 Edwin De Los Santos stands firmly in his path to glory. Yet, the vacant title isn’t the only thing ‘Sugar’ Stevenson is gunning for! Previous verbal jabs and attacks on social media suggest Shakur’s real target is Devin Haney. Adding fuel to the fire, people have drummed up a firestorm of speculation about who is the better fighter among the two.

In the midst of all this excitement and anticipation, however, some bad news looms over the potential clash. While ‘Sugar’ Stevenson may pull off a win against Santos, which most people are betting on, it might not guarantee a fight with Devin ‘The Dream’ Haney. What’s more, Looking at the pair’s history and the series of circumstances that followed since their initial encounter is evidence of the same conclusion. Still not convinced? What follows definitely will!

Purse split fiasco between Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney

One of the biggest hurdles that prevented the fight from turning into reality in the first place was the purse split. Initially, when the talks of these two clashing in the ring began, Haney, holding the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO lightweight titles, had the upper hand. So, the 30-0 champion presented ‘Sugar’ with a 75/25 purse split, favoring Haney. 

Staunchly, however, the two-division world champion demanded a fair 50/50 split, arguing the fairness of the offer despite Haney’s undisputed title. The disagreement resulted in both parties taking their dirty laundry to social media and insulting each other. As the back and forth continued, it was on full display for the public to watch. So, who’s to say the disagreement would not happen again after ‘Sugar’ beat Santos? However, the purse split fiasco provided one more reason, pointing towards the unlikeliness of the fight happening.

Did Devin Haney duck Shakur Stevenson?

As the talks of the potential fight enchanted the boxing world previously, its failure to materialize stunned fans and pundits alike. While the primary factor contributing to the fight’s breakdown was the financial aspect, it raised questions about Haney’s true intentions. Many fans and experts interpreted Haney’s brazen disparity as a move to avoid fighting Shakur ‘Sugar’ Stevenson. 

Also Read: “There Was No Proposal”: Bob Arum Rips Devin Haney and His Father for ‘Bulls**t’ Offer to Fight Shakur Stevenson

Haney’s camp argued that as the undisputed champion, Haney deserved the majority share of the purse. However, this prompted Shakur’s corner to argue his achievement as the two-division champion warranted equal pay. Despite what was said, it makes Haney look bad, giving air to the possibility of Haney avoiding the fight. So, if Haney was afraid of losing to Shakur before, he wouldn’t change his mind after Shakur’s future win over Santos. 

Haney’s focus on Regis Prograis and climb to 140 pounds

In the aftermath of the fight purse fiasco and ducking allegations, Haney and his team quickly shifted their attention to other options and opportunities. In their search for alternatives, Haney’s team found Regis Prograis as the perfect match. Prograis currently holds the WBC super lightweight world champion title, something Haney desires to snatch and become a two-division champion. 

However, Haney had to climb multiple weight divisions to face the New Orleans native, vacating the WBC lightweight title. So, Haney climbed, committing to the task wholeheartedly. Pictures of his remarkable weight gain and transformation even caught public attention. What’s more, Haney himself has asserted that after defeating Prograis, he would stay in the 140lbs division. So, the only way the Shakur Stevenson vs. Devin Haney fight could happen is – if Shakur climbs weight divisions to fight him. The same is highly unlikely to happen, given Shakur’s intentions to fight in 135lbs. 

Bill Haney’s involvement: Leaked videos

During the fiery battle between Haney and Stevenson, not in the ring but on X (formerly Twitter), Shakur leaked a clip of a conversation with Devin’s father. The clip further added another layer of speculation as to why Devin might not want to fight ‘Sugar’ Stevenson. In the clip, Bill Haney can be heard admitting that Shakur had the upper hand over his son in an early career sparring match.

The incident took place when the pair sparred as youngsters. Following the revelation, Bill Haney retorted by claiming if Shakur wanted to fight, he should move to 140. It further fuelled the claims that Haney was avoiding the fight against Shakur. So, considering Bill’s comments, the fight is unlikely to happen.

Also Read: Devin Haney Might Regret Not Fighting Shakur Stevenson Now

With all that has transpired between Haney and Shakur, alongside the circumstances surrounding the potential fight, the fight seems impossible. Even if Shakur beats Edwin and becomes the WBC lightweight champion, Haney is unlikely to take notice. Even though the potential fight may produce considerable sales, nothing is certain until fighters enter the square circle and the bell rings. 

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