It’s been a heated week in the world of boxing as the reigning lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson publicly threw jabs at his fellow pugilist, Devin Haney. In a fiery statement that has since set social media alight, Stevenson poignantly challenged Haney’s status as the best fighter in the 135-pound division.
In an explosive interview, Stevenson boldly declared, “he is not best at 135“, cutting through Haney’s claim to being the undisputed king of the lightweight scene. Stevenson’s confident dismissal of Haney’s title offers an insight into the competitive spirit endemic in the boxing world, where the hunger for supremacy is never sated.
It is important to note that Haney currently boasts an impressive sporting report card, with 25 wins and zero losses, marking an undisputed reign in the lightweight division, which stands in striking contrast to Stevenson’s record of 16 wins and no losses. A relatively recent title holder in the super-featherweight division, Stevenson has made it clear he is not one to be easily intimidated, regardless of Haney’s indisputable champion status.
This isn’t the first time Stevenson has pecked at Haney’s reputation, having previously strayed into the realms of outright criticism by arguing that Haney’s title win against Jorge Linares could have been more resounding. Linares himself, a seasoned veteran in the ring, has not offered any commentary concerning Stevenson’s remarks.
To add fuel to the fire, Stevenson even hinted that he doesn’t believe Haney to be as good as his stats make him out to be. Sounding off on Haney’s relative youth and quick climb to titleholder status, “he’s just a kid” Stevenson scoffed, before suggesting that Haney was yet to face a significant challenge in the ring.
The blockchain of boxers in the 135 division continues to grow and diversify, with many promising fighters vying for a shot at the title. With Haney sitting pretty at the top, his name has been linked with numerous potential matches in the future. Stevenson is but one of the many boxers willing and ready to step into the ring with him.
Are Stevenson’s remarks mere sportsmanship, intent on unsettling his fellow fighter, or do they reflect a genuine concern over Haney’s rapid rise? Perhaps future fights will tell, but for now, the boxing community is left buzzing with the anticipation brought on by Stevenson’s surgical dissection of his rival’s merits.
Regardless of the hubbub caused by the current war of words, it’s an excellent time to be a boxing fan. The sportsmanship, the drama, and the very essence of competitiveness are what make the boxing world such a compelling spectacle. Shakur Stevenson’s dismissal of Devin Haney’s status as the best at 135 is the stuff championship bouts are born from.
Will Haney rise to the challenge? Will Stevenson knock him off his pedestal? Only time will tell. For now, the match of words outside the ring is proving almost as thrilling as a full-blown battle inside the ropes.
With the stakes raised high, it’s clear that the lightweight division has an exhilarating year ahead. Whether it’s Stevenson, Haney, or another unexpected champion that comes out on top, boxing enthusiasts around the world will be waiting eagerly to see who dons the crown as the undisputed lightweight champion.
