While the boxing world eagerly awaits Devin Haney’s WBC super lightweight title defense against Ryan Garcia on April 20, there are still questions about the fight taking place at Barclays Center as scheduled.
LOOK: Devin Haney vs. Ryan García, live on DAZN
The reason for this is Garcia’s behavior on social media and his admission that he has been using alcohol and drugs. While her talent is undeniable, the Los Angeles star has seemed to struggle in recent weeks and her preparations will have been affected.
Garcia also disclosed on social media that the New York State Athletic Commission requested a mental health evaluation and the fighter threatened to sue for “defamation of character.” Things are going from bad to worse.
Step forward, WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson.
“We would love to intervene, especially in New York. We would sell out and it’s a great fight,” Stevenson said via X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday.
From this moment on, Haney vs. Garcia remains intact, but The Jugo Mobile looks at the possibility of Stevenson getting the call if the fight falls through.
Will Devin Haney fight Shakur Stevenson?
Haney has shown that he is willing to take on all comers.
“The Dream” ventured to Australia to win the undisputed lightweight title at the expense of local fighter George Kambosos Jr. and repeated the dose in a direct rematch.
Haney has since beaten Vasiliy Lomachenko and Regis Prograis in world title fights before signing Garcia. Among the elite, he is possibly the most proven fighter in world boxing in the last three years.
There’s no reason to believe Haney would be reluctant to face Stevenson, but it’s not that simple.
I’m not trying to go back and forth on social media, little brother. May you be blessed, my Muslim brother. I’m willing to step in as a fighter with CLEAR MENTAL HEALTH issues, but if your dad is NEVER willing to fight me, then it’s nothing more to talk about. #Chasinggreatness
—Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) March 18, 2024
Why can’t Haney fight Stevenson on April 20?
Where do we start?
The Haney vs. García fight will be broadcast on DAZN. Golden Boy Promotions, which represents Garcia, is the main promoter, while Matchroom Boxing will work with Haney for this fight.
On the other hand, Stevenson is signed to Bob Arum’s Top Rank, which brings up a host of issues, including television rights. All Top Rank programs are broadcast on ESPN.
On top of that, Haney has been preparing for Garcia, who is an orthodox boxer and puncher. Stevenson is a skilled lefty with a completely different style. With five weeks left, there is not enough time to properly prepare.
If that wasn’t enough, Bill Haney, Devin’s father and coach/manager said BoxingScene that Stevenson “contributes nothing” after a listless victory over Edwin De Los Santos in November.
And if he really wanted to fight… what fight can dming make? He has to answer to Bob! Bob makes the decisions there. Stop falling into the chase for influence
-Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) March 18, 2024
Who will Shakur Stevenson fight next?
Following William Zepeda’s emphatic victory over Maxi Hughes at the weekend, there were calls for Stevenson to face the Mexican slugger next.
Zepeda is currently ranked number one in the WBC and criticized the lightweight champion during his post-fight interview.
In response, Stevenson told promoter Oscar De La Hoya via X that he is more than willing to face Zepeda next.
“Let Oscar call me and I’ll make that fight for July.” Arum told BoxingScene. “We have a date, July 6, and the Prudential Center is booked. We would certainly consider it.”
