Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney will no longer be going head to head in 2023 after a potential faded away between the two undefeated superstars.
Stevenson and Haney had been embroiled in social media warfare for some time, only for a possible battle to fall apart.
Sparring leaks, trainer stories, and several verbal jabs ended with the fans suffering – as usual.
Stevenson vs Haney was top of many boxing lists for 2023. However, once again, it all came crashing down, with one side moving on.
There is no deal for Shakur Stevenson vs Devin Haney
The World Boxing Council moved quickly to place Haney into lightweight recess as their respective champion. They have now decided on the vacant position.
It’s been decided that Stevenson will take on Frank Martin for Haney’s old green and gold strap. With a victory, Stevenson will aim to become a three-weight world champion.
The WBC confirmed the plan: “Bob Arum’s Top Rank Inc. and Tom Brown’s TBG Promotions reached an agreement for a fight between Shakur Stevenson and Frank Martin.
“They will fight for the vacant World Boxing Council lightweight title. The scheduled purse bid is canceled.
“The possible dates and venues for the fight are November 16 in Las Vegas or December 9 in New York, as the main event on ESPN.”
Stevenson vs Martin
In an attempt to persuade the fans that the Haney will be bigger down the line, they added: “Stevenson [20-0, 10 KOs] vs. Martin [18-0, 12 KOs] is one of the best fights to be made at 135 pounds today.
“Stevenson, from Newark, New Jersey, comes into this bout after defeating tough Japanese Shuichiro Yoshino in an eliminatory bout held at Newark’s Prudential Center.
“Top Rank has promoted Stevenson since the 2016 Olympic silver medalist. He is already a two-division world champion, having turned professional six years ago.
“Martin comes to this fight after defeating Armenian Artem Harutyunyan in Las Vegas, Nevada. TGB Promotions works with Martin from Indianapolis.”
Arum is looking at Formula 1 weekend to stage the clash. Thousands of fans will be in attendance for the first-ever F1 race in the city.
Las Vegas will not only host the F1, but the Super Bowl in February, too. The events are part of increased sporting activities such as NFL, baseball, and basketball, coinciding with a revamp of Sin City.
Stevenson vs Haney would be a solid addition to the schedule. However, Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center are also considered options.
Phil Jay is an experienced boxing news writer.
