Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson finally agreed on 145 pounds, but dividing the revenue could scuttle their bout before either man steps into the ring.
Talks have reached a critical point, putting the targeted November 28 date in Atlanta in real jeopardy. Settling on a catchweight gave both camps a clear target. Splitting the revenue creates a deeper rift because it hinges entirely on personal market valuation.
Haney’s November 28 date allows almost no room for further haggling. Just over six weeks remain on the calendar, meaning both boxers require signed contracts right now to launch proper training camps. Every day squandered bickering over percentages pushes that target closer to collapse.
Haney has every right to challenge an even split. He already proved his drawing power as a headline attraction. Agreeing to parity would concede commercial ground that his team believes Shakur has yet to earn.
Backing from Turki Alalshikh changes the financial landscape. Deep financial support guarantees a massive overall purse, but funding a guarantee is not the same as generating revenue through paying customers. Haney’s side will almost certainly demand terms that honor that distinction.
“A potential fight between Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson is facing obstacles,” Mike Coppinger reported, adding that negotiations were “reaching a critical stage to keep this fight alive.
Coppinger did not reveal the figures being discussed, but if Shakur wants an equal or larger share, that could be where the talks are getting stuck.
Once Shakur dug his heels in on 145 pounds, he signaled that he views himself as the A side dictating terms. Haney gave up two pounds from 147, but accepting a financial haircut is an entirely different proposition. Bill Haney will not let Devin take second billing or even an even split against an opponent whose primary calling card is defensive survival rather than box office numbers.
