Shakur Stevenson fuels speculation on possible Benavidez‑Opetaia and Haney fights

Boxer Shakur Stevenson said he would back David Benavidez over Jai Opetaia if the two cruiser‑weight champions meet, calling Benavidez “a beast” and noting his recent move up to 200 lb. The comment came as Benavidez negotiates a bout with WBC mandatory challenger Noel Mikaelian, leaving Opetaia without a clear opponent.

Stevenson later posted an Instagram story showing his weight at 144.4 lb, reviving talk of a fight with fellow American Devin Haney at a 144‑lb catchweight. Haney has indicated willingness to meet that number, but faces a pending mandatory defence against contender Keyshawn Davis, complicating the potential matchup.