Shawn Porter, a former two-time world champion, believes that a potential showdown between Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson could be a fascinating chess match. Porter thinks that Haney's aggressive style and fast pace could force Stevenson to adapt and become more offensive, which could be a significant challenge for the more technically-gifted Stevenson.
The two boxers have been engaged in a social media war, each outlining their demands for a potential 144-pound clash. Haney has verbally agreed to fight at a catchweight, 3 pounds below his preferred weight, to accommodate Stevenson's initial proposal. However, the finer details of the negotiations remain uncertain, especially with Haney's mandatory title defense against Keyshawn Davis looming.
Haney, known as the 'Dream', became a three-division world champion when he dethroned Brian Norman Jr. with a unanimous decision victory last November. However, he missed the opportunity to make a voluntary title defense and must now face mandatory challenger Davis or risk being stripped of his belt. Alternatively, he could vacate the title and move straight into a fight with Stevenson, who currently holds the WBO strap at 140 pounds.
Porter, in his podcast, highlighted the potential for a compelling chess match, stating, 'I think Devin Haney is someone who can push Shakur into being more aggressive. Dev is going to fight at a fast pace; Dev is going to try to control that range – the same way that Shakur does. It’s going to be a chess match, but Devin’s offence is going to force Shakur to be more offensive.'
Despite previously expressing doubts about Stevenson's ability to overcome the size disadvantage, Porter now sees Haney as a suitable opponent for Stevenson's criteria of 'big fights'. Stevenson's new promotional deal with Dana White's Zuffa Boxing further adds to the potential for this high-stakes match.
The article concludes by emphasizing the potential for a thrilling boxing match, leaving readers with the question of whether Stevenson can adapt to Haney's aggressive style and emerge victorious. Porter's analysis provides a unique perspective, offering insight into the potential challenges and strategies for both boxers.
