Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney share a long-standing history. The two frequently sparred in the early stages of their careers, laying the foundation for a rivalry that intensified as they reached the sport’s elite level. Their competitive fire extends beyond the ring, especially after Stevenson publicly called out Haney for a fight.

Back in May 2023, after Devin Haney defeated Vasyl Lomachenko, Stevenson declared his intentions to square off against Haney, pushing for an undisputed fight at lightweight. Negotiations had begun between the pair, but they collapsed as soon as they had begun. Why? Well, Devin Haney reportedly offered Stevenson 25% of the purse, which, of course, didn’t sit well with the current WBC champion. 

This led to Stevenson accusing Haney of avoiding a fight against him, while Haney countered, claiming Stevenson had priced himself out. ‘The Dream’ then vacated his titles to start his run in the super lightweight division, which eventually put him on a collision course with Ryan Garcia in April 2024. By now, everyone knows what happened to Haney in the fight.

Now, the pair is expected to have their much-anticipated rematch later this year, given that they overcome their opponents on May 2 in New York. Regardless, Stevenson seems to have left his animosity with Haney behind to demand respect for the former undisputed lightweight champion. Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Stevenson shared his point of view.

“He [Devin Haney] got up how many times in that fight? That means he showed so much heart that night,” Stevenson told the reporter. “You got to respect the heart that he showed. When guys show that much heart, get up that many times, keep fighting, put it all in the line… you got to respect them, man.” Stevenson’s sympathy aside, Garcia’s promoter seems to think the rematch won’t happen.

Oscar De La Hoya reveals loophole that will allow Ryan Garcia to avoid rematch with Devin Haney

Oscar De La Hoya has cast doubt on the highly anticipated Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney rematch, suggesting a potential roadblock that could derail the fight. While Garcia and Haney have reportedly agreed to a rematch if they both win their May 2 fights—Garcia against Rolly Romero and Haney against Jose Ramirez—De La Hoya believes Haney won’t make it past Ramirez.

“I feel that Ramirez is gonna do a number on Devin Haney,” De La Hoya stated during an interview with DAZN Boxing. “We’re not gonna see Ryan Garcia-Devin Haney two. I believe [that] Ramirez will stop the show.” It’s worth noting that after Haney sued Garcia, the two have reached an agreement for a rematch, which will result in the lawsuit being dropped.

That said, it appears that despite the issues between them in the past, Shakur Stevenson isn’t overlooking the heart Devin Haney showed during the Ryan Garcia fight. However, the question is, can Haney do what he could not last time?