Devin Haney’s Instagram promo featuring Shakur Stevenson puts a potentially lucrative matchup back into circulation as his inactivity approaches a year. Their stalled fight offers Haney a recognizable opponent, a winnable contest, and a way to regain attention after months on the sidelines.
Haney shared footage showing him facing off with Shakur. The post has revived speculation without establishing that negotiations have resumed.
Haney posted the video while Shakur and Gervonta Davis were exchanging insults on X. Their argument has drawn attention to Shakur, which may have encouraged Haney to bring their proposed fight back into the conversation. Haney has not explained whether that influenced his post. Shakur quickly replied with an X post, letting him know he’s interested.
😈😈😈😈😈 @Realdevinhaney LETS GO!!!!
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) October 4, 2026
The weight remains a potential obstacle. Haney would likely prefer 147 pounds, where he could face the smaller Shakur without cutting extra weight. Shakur previously wanted 144. Agreeing to that would mean Haney coming down three pounds, although we do not know whether the extra weight cut would weaken him.
Haney’s jab and reach give him a chance to beat Shakur without having to chase him. He can stay outside and make Shakur come forward to land punches. Both prefer opponents to attack first, so the fight could become cautious, with neither throwing much. Whoever lands his jab more consistently could win those close rounds.
Haney also needs to capitalize on his victory over Brian Norman Jr. from last November. Nearly eleven months have passed since he picked up the WBO welterweight belt. Crossing the November 22 mark without an opponent locked in burns an entire year of his prime. That kind of layoff wastes prime earning power, halts development inside the ropes, and chips away at fan interest.
Viable alternatives exist near 147 pounds if Shakur remains occupied with Gary Antuanne Russell. Richardson Hitchins, Liam Paro, Lewis Crocker, Teofimo Lopez, Jack Catterall, and Arnold Barboza Jr. all represent credible pairings, provided schedules cooperate. Haney has plenty of directions to turn, but he cannot afford to let another month slip by without putting a date on the calendar.
Shakur can pursue another title at 140 against Russell or revisit a potentially bigger payday against Haney. The Haney fight would require him to move up in weight against a larger opponent, making the catchweight agreement a major part of any renewed negotiations.
