Former undisputed champion Zab Judah has named the one factor which, in his mind, will prevent a much-talked-about showdown between Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson from materialising.
Since his astounding points victory over Teofimo Lopez last month, many have been left questioning who would pose the greatest threat to Stevenson’s unbeaten record.
The 28-year-old has, after all, become a four-division world champion with remarkable ease, winning the majority of his fights in one-sided fashion.
Against Lopez, the slick southpaw dropped just one round before claiming his WBO super-lightweight title, proving to be one of the sport’s most skilled technicians.
As a result, it would seem that Stevenson, who secured his first world title at featherweight, must move up to 147lbs in pursuit of a genuine test.
Someone who could potentially provide such stiff competition is Haney, who became a three-weight world champion after comprehensively dethroning Brian Norman Jr in November.
The 27-year-old’s wide unanimous decision victory saw him capture the WBO welterweight title, while previous wins over the likes of Vasyl Lomachenko and Regis Prograis have only enhanced his top 10 pound-for-pound status.
But while fans have called for the two Americans to lock horns, boxing legend Judah has suggested that size represents too much of a factor.
Speaking with FightHype.com, Judah even considered the possibility of Haney jumping up to 154lbs.
“I don’t think [it’s] ever going to happen. I think weight classes [are] going to separate that fight.
“Devin might not stick around at 147[lbs] too long; Devin is a big boy. I don’t see that fight [with Stevenson] happening.”
Interestingly enough, Haney has already exchanged a series of social media barbs with Xander Zayas, the unified super-welterweight champion, with a view to define his legacy across four weight divisions.
Stevenson has expressed interest the fight happen in the future, but has made it clear that any welterweight he faces must agree to a 10lbs rehydration clause, something, as Judah points out, Haney may not be able to meet.