Shakur Stevenson Targets Wins Over Devin Haney and Gervonta Davis

Shakur Stevenson announced on Friday that defeating Devin Haney and Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis is his immediate goal, a move he believes will cement his place as the sport’s pound‑for‑pound leader.

Devin Haney, the WBO welter‑weight champion, and Gervonta Davis, a former lightweight star, sit atop Stevenson’s hit list. Both fighters have held multiple world titles, and each represents a distinct challenge for the 29‑year‑old southpaw. Haney is currently tied to a mandatory defense against Keyshawn Davis, while Davis has not fought since his March 2025 draw with Lamont Roach.

A win over Haney would give Stevenson a direct claim to the welter‑weight throne, linking him with the current champion in a high‑stakes showdown. Overcoming Davis would showcase Stevenson’s ability to dominate a former multi‑division champion, reinforcing his claim to pound‑for‑pound dominance. Both victories would also validate his recent move to Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, where he signed a multi‑fight deal.

Stevenson’s unanimous decision over Teofimo Lopez in January proved his readiness for elite competition. That performance, combined with his new promotional backing, has propelled him into the conversation alongside Naoya Inoue and Oleksandr Usyk. Yet, he acknowledges that beating Haney or Davis would be the decisive proof needed to rise above them.

Negotiations are already underway for a catch‑weight bout at 144 lbs between Stevenson and Haney, though the fight may be delayed if Haney fulfills his mandatory defense against Keyshawn Davis. Davis, meanwhile, is expected to return early next year after his last fight in March 2025, leaving the exact date of a Stevenson‑Davis clash uncertain.

If Stevenson secures either fight, the welter‑weight landscape could shift dramatically. A victory over Haney would likely force a reshuffle of title defenses, while a win over Davis would re‑establish Stevenson as a force across multiple weight classes. Both outcomes would tighten the race for the top pound‑for‑pound spot, a title currently contested by Inoue and Usyk.

Supporters have praised Stevenson’s ambition, noting his willingness to face the sport’s biggest names. Critics, however, point to the difficulty of arranging these bouts amid existing mandatory obligations. Regardless, the boxer’s clear focus on Haney and Davis signals a bold approach that could define his legacy.

Stevenson will continue training under his current camp while finalizing promotional details with Zuffa Boxing. The next few months will likely see intense negotiations, and fans should watch for official announcements from both the WBO and Top Rank as the calendar fills out.