Less than 48 hours later, the WBO stepped in and reminded both fighters that boxing’s biggest fight may have to wait.
The WBO Championship Committee has reiterated that Haney must defend his welterweight title against mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis next, potentially forcing one of boxing’s biggest fights back onto the shelf.
Haney faces a difficult choice: pursue one of the most significant fights available in boxing or risk jeopardizing the championship he won from Brian Norman Jr. last November.
Haney and Stevenson Agree
The latest chapter unfolded on social media when Stevenson suggested a compromise weight of 144 pounds.
“144 is fair for two champions in two separate weight classes,” Stevenson posted.
The WBO super lightweight champion pointed to Floyd Mayweather’s famous catchweight clash with Canelo Alvarez as proof that major fights can be made outside traditional divisional limits.
Haney quickly responded.
“If I come to 144, we have a fight?” Stevenson’s answer was simple.
“Yes.”
For the first time in years, a Haney-Stevenson fight appeared closer than ever, but the timing could hardly have been worse.
WBO Stands Firm
The sanctioning body has made it clear that Haney’s next obligation is Davis, who recently moved to welterweight and secured the number one position in the rankings.
Reports indicate the mandatory defense is due in August.
While Haney has openly stated that Stevenson represents the bigger fight, the WBO’s position leaves little room for maneuver unless an agreement can be reached.
Davis wasted no time reminding Haney of that reality.
“[Haney would] rather lose more weight than get in the ring with The Businessman. I’m your mandatory bro, stop trying to make other fights.”
Haney responded by dismissing the criticism.
“Sit this one out too Key … Me versus Shakur is the biggest [fight of the year]. Our fight would be big, though.”
Three Years of Delays
The rivalry has repeatedly failed to reach the finish line.
World Boxing News reported in July 2023 that Haney and Stevenson were closing in on a lightweight showdown after the WBC positioned Stevenson as a mandatory challenger.
The fight never materialized. Two months later, the entire plan collapsed when Haney moved on and Stevenson was matched with Frank Martin for the vacant WBC lightweight title.
The rivalry resurfaced again in 2024 when Stevenson offered to replace Ryan Garcia against Haney amid concerns surrounding Garcia’s participation.
Bill Haney publicly rejected the idea and accused Stevenson of failing to make major fights happen.
Despite years of public exchanges, negotiations and callouts, Haney and Stevenson have never shared a ring. Now that they have finally agreed on terms for a potential Zuffa Boxing showdown, the biggest obstacle may not be either fighter.
Superfight Roadblock
It is not often a sanctioning body finds itself in the position of potentially standing in the way of a superfight, yet less than 48 hours after Haney and Stevenson publicly agreed to a catchweight contest, the WBO reminded both men that Davis comes first.
Haney could attempt to negotiate a step-aside agreement that would allow the fight to proceed before Davis receives a shot at the winner.
Stevenson may also have a decision to make. The opportunity to become a five-weight world champion and emulate Floyd Mayweather carries obvious significance, making the WBO title a major part of the attraction.
After three years of failed negotiations, abandoned plans and public callouts, Haney and Stevenson finally appear to have found common ground.
The irony is that neither fighter may be the biggest obstacle anymore.
By Phil Jay