Esteemed trainer Robert Garcia has offered his expert opinion on a potential clash between Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney, who have verbally agreed to meet at a catchweight of 144lbs.
The two American stars are both rumoured to be joining Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, seemingly with a view to collide under the promotional banner.
While nothing is confirmed, the pair have been going back-and-forth on social media, with Haney verbally agreeing to travel 3lbs below his preferred fighting weight.
‘The Dream’ claimed his WBO welterweight title in November, becoming a three-division world champion by dethroning and unanimously outpointing Brian Norman Jr.
It was confirmed by the WBO earlier this week, however, that Haney would be stripped of his belt if he ends up facing Stevenson at a 144lb catchweight because the 27-year-old has been ordered to face mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis.
If they do ultimately square off at 144lbs, though, top trainer Garcia has told Fight Hub TV that he would favour the WBO super-lightweight champion by the slightest of margins.
“Honestly, I think it’s a great matchup for both. They both fight very smart – they don’t make [many] mistakes.
“The first one that makes a mistake, the other one is going to take advantage of it. It’s a tough fight. By a very slight difference, I probably think Shakur [would win]. He’s too smart.
“What I like about Haney is that he’s the one willing to take that chance. He’d be willing to take that risk, and that’s where I think Shakur takes advantage [of his mistake].”
Stevenson became a four-division world champion by dethroning Teofimo Lopez in January, claiming a wide unanimous decision victory in his first outing at 140lbs.
The 28-year-old is therefore reluctant to face Haney at 147lbs, where his opponent would boast a significant size advantage.