Shakur Stevenson recently declared that he is not afraid to fight Devin Haney. However, the timing of his message left him open to fresh criticism.
The boxer posted on X only hours after Haney revealed that Gervonta “Tank” Davis’ team had reached out about a possible fight, fueling the belief that Stevenson’s sudden eagerness is reactive rather than genuine.
Stevenson’s brief post followed months of fan accusations that he had been dragging his feet during talks for a Haney bout.
“Awe don’t run from it niggas said I was scared 😂,” Stevenson wrote via Shakur Stevenson via X (social media post).
The post emerged the same day Haney disclosed that Davis’ camp had made contact about a potential matchup. Haney stated on social media that Tank had “grown some balls” and suggested the long-discussed fight could finally come together.
Why The Timing Hurts Stevenson
That development could leave Stevenson in a difficult spot if Haney chooses to chase the bigger payday against Davis. Many fans read Stevenson’s message as an attempt to push back against the growing narrative that he was responsible for slowing negotiations with Haney.
The criticism intensified following Haney’s public proposal of a 144-pound catchweight. Stevenson initially appeared receptive, but the fight never materialized.
The reaction to his latest post was largely negative, with numerous fans accusing him of avoiding Haney and others arguing he had already missed multiple chances to make it.
Stevenson, a former two-division world champion now campaigning at lightweight, has frequently called out Haney in the past.
His promotional situation with Zuffa Boxing adds another layer to his matchmaking options. He is no stranger to fan accusations of ducking, a pattern that surfaced when O’Shaquie Foster’s case for a fight placed Stevenson at the center of similar talk.
What Comes Next If Haney Pivots
If Haney moves on to Davis, Stevenson could be forced to look elsewhere for a marquee fight at 140 pounds. Plenty of dangerous opponents are available, but few carry the financial upside or mainstream attention attached to a Haney bout.
- Ernesto Mercado
- Andy Hiraoka
- Oscar Duarte
- Subriel Matias
- Richardson Hitchins
Each would represent a risky fight without the massive purse a showdown with Haney would bring. Stevenson’s post did not address weight, money, or timing. He focused solely on rejecting the idea that he was afraid.
Whether fans accept that explanation is another matter. With Haney now openly discussing a fight against Davis, Stevenson may be watching his biggest available payday drift toward another opponent.