Shakur Stevenson not so long ago tweeted a cryptic message. What does it mean? Just after accusing fellow boxer Devin Haney of lying about fight negotiations, Stevenson took to social media. His tweet emphasized authenticity over fame and hinted at upcoming challenges.
The history between Stevenson and Haney is marked by contentious and failed negotiations, spotlighting their intense rivalry. Stevenson’s stance raises questions: Is this just another jab at Haney, or a broader statement on his career philosophy?
Shakur Stevenson focused on business, not clout ahead of Harutyunyan fight
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Set to defend his WBC lightweight title on July 6 in Newark, New Jersey, Stevenson faces Artem Harutyunyan. Amid his upcoming bout Shakur is not letting Devin slip away with his lies. Shakur Stevenson’s tweet resonates with defiance and a clear commitment to his values.
Gone stay authentic forever fuck the jewelry fuck the clout that come wit it.. Stand on business champ your time coming 💪🏾
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) April 15, 2024
He stated, “Gone stay authentic forever f*ck the jewelry f*ck the clout that come wit it.. Stand on business champ your time coming 💪🏾”. This strong message follows closely on the heels of his public dispute with Devin Haney over supposed fight negotiations. The same one in which Bill Haney, the dad of Devin said that, “He (Shakur) hasn’t fought anybody that we’re not going to beat.”
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This isn’t the only hit Shakur took at Devin, in his previous tweet, he called out Haney for lying.
Did Haney lie about the fight offer?
Shakur Stevenson didn’t hold back in his response to Devin Haney’s claims about a lucrative fight offer that supposedly never materialized. During a popular podcast, Haney asserted, “Shakur can’t f**k with me. We offered Shakur a fight… All this sh*t was real money. He would have made more money than he made in all his fights combined…” This bold statement surprised the hosts, given Stevenson’s extensive fighting history with twenty bouts under his belt.
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Stevenson quickly countered these claims on social media, where his response was both humorous and sharp. “Cuz gotta be the funniest liar I ever seen. Somebody give my ni** a Oscar, pls. He deserves it,” Stevenson tweeted, dismissing Haney’s assertions as pure fiction. Despite the allure of the supposed offer, Stevenson, under contract with Top Rank, felt undervalued, arguing that the 25% purse share from Haney was insufficient.
His pursuit of a fair deal continues to be a sore point in negotiations, leaving the potential blockbuster fight in limbo. As he approaches his fight and the impending free agency, one can’t help but wonder: will Stevenson’s dedication to authenticity influence the future landscape of boxing negotiations and athlete conduct?