Shakur Stevenson recently revealed that he rejected an inadequate 75/25 split offer for a fight from fellow boxer, Devin Haney. Since his refusal, Stevenson hasn’t received any further communication from Haney, leading him to believe the offer may have been insincere and simply an attempt to avoid confronting his WBC mandatory challenger.
Stevenson took to social media to elaborate on the situation, stating, “I don’t think I’m the A-side, I just know my worth, and 25% ain’t it. I didn’t turn the fight down; that was supposedly the first offer, haven’t heard nothing since.” This lack of response from Haney indicates that he may not have had any real intention of taking Stevenson on in the ring.
It has been observed that Haney’s eagerness to negotiate with George Kambosos Jr, despite the latter being a more vulnerable belt-holder, contrasted sharply with his lukewarm approach towards Stevenson. Haney’s keenness for a rematch with Kambosos Jr, yet hesitance to offer the same to Vasily Lomachenko after a disputed victory, is also raising eyebrows.
Stevenson’s track record as a silver medallist in the 2016 Olympics, in addition to his two-division world titles, certainly position him as an accomplished competitor. However, some argue Haney’s avoidance of a serious match with him has led to stagnation in the division and a potential hostage situation with the belts, leaving some calling for Haney’s lightweight title to be stripped.
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