Roy Jones Jr Wants Shakur Stevenson to Chase Tank, Not Haney

Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney can't get out of their own way. Talks for the undefeated grudge match have collapsed a second time, with weight again the wall neither side will climb over. Stevenson is the WBO 140lb champ at 25-0 (11 KO); Haney holds the WBO welterweight strap at 33-0 (15 KO). The problem is simple math and stubborn pride.

Haney wants to stay at 147, where he last outpointed Brian Norman Jr. by unanimous decision. He floated a 145lb catchweight. Stevenson, not ready to live at welterweight, said he'd take those terms but without a rehydration clause. Both men posted upbeat updates. Then the whole thing fell apart on cue.

Jones Says Look Elsewhere

Roy Jones Jr, a four-division world champion himself, doesn't think Haney should be draining down for anyone. He told All The Smoke Fight that Haney shouldn't drop below 147, which effectively writes Stevenson out of that conversation. Jones' advice to the Newark southpaw: stop chasing Devin and go find Gervonta 'Tank' Davis or someone else who can realistically make 140.

Jones acknowledged Stevenson's logic. The guy isn't a natural welterweight and knows it. But sitting around waiting for a fight that keeps dying isn't a plan, so Jones wants him pointed at a bigger name who can meet him at a sane weight.

The Tank Problem

On paper, Stevenson-Davis is one of the most wanted fights in boxing. At one point it could've been a lightweight unification. Since then the picture's shifted: Stevenson was released from his Zuffa Boxing deal at his own request, moved up to 140, and took the WBO belt off Teofimo Lopez on the cards. Davis, 30-0-1 (28 KO) with a majority draw against Lamont Roach Jr. on his last outing, has been tied up in legal problems and was named WBA lightweight champion in recess over inactivity.

That inactivity is why the fight feels far off right now. Tank is reportedly eyeing a 2027 comeback, with George Kambosos Jr. floated as a possible opponent. Which leaves Stevenson in a familiar spot: undefeated, holding a world title, and still waiting on the dance partner who'd actually move the needle.