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2026-08-07 04:35 UTC → 2026-08-28 16:45 UTC ·
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After sealing an eight‑figure multi‑fight deal with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing in July, Negotiations for a superfight between Shakur Stevenson has become the promotion’s marquee star. His weight‑cutting numbers keep a 144‑pound catch‑weight bout with WBO welterweight champion and Devin Haney in contention, but have effectively collapsed due to irreconcilable disputes over weight classes and financial splits. Stevenson’s attempts to secure a 144-pound catchweight—and at one point a 140-pound limit—were rejected by Haney’s camp insists camp, which insisted on a 147‑lb welterweight fight and warns that any deviation could jeopardise his mandatory defence. Stevenson has added conditions, demanding Haney vacate the WBO title, and has floated unification with Gary Antuanne Russell while naming Gervonta Davis, Teófimo López and Emanuel Navarrete among dream opponents. He also dismissed 147-pound welterweight limit to maximize purse potential. These talks were further complicated by a clash broadcaster split, with fellow Stevenson signed to Zuffa fighter Jose Rayo Valenzuela Boxing (Paramount+) and announced plans Haney to retire around age 33. New developments in 2026 show DAZN. Following the saga continuing. Zuffa president Dana White confirmed Haney stalemate, Stevenson will return before year‑end, with has shifted his focus toward other high-profile matchups. He has expressed interest in a potential marquee bout with unified junior-lightweight champion Emanuel Navarrete and is reportedly targeting a unification fight against Gervonta Davis still under discussion; WBA titleholder Gary Antuanne Russell and Lamont Roach Jr. are also being considered. A Russell, tentatively aimed for September 26, 2026, in London. Other possibilities include a rematch with William Zepeda has been floated, but concrete plans remain absent. Ongoing promotion‑broadcaster splits (Zuffa on Paramount+, Haney on DAZN) and lingering catch‑weight disputes keep speculative discussions regarding a Stevenson‑Haney showdown stalled, while analysts note clash with Manny Pacquiao. Stevenson, a possible future four-division world champion, continues to draw attention for his selective approach to matchmaking and his personal rankings, which notably omitted Muhammad Ali from his top-five fighters list. While a move up to welterweight could remains a potential path to revive talks. Haney talks, Stevenson also sparked debate by publishing his personal top‑five fighters list, omitting Muhammad Ali, underscoring is currently pursuing unification and elite-level challenges within his selective approach to future match‑ups. existing weight parameters.