Haney and Stevenson verbally agree 145lb catchweight after late-night exchange, Boxing News reports
According to Boxing News, Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson have verbally agreed to a 145lb catchweight after a late-night exchange on X. The move removes the main public stumbling block, though nothing is yet official.
Boxing News reports that Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson have verbally agreed to a 145lb catchweight in overnight talks, narrowing the gap in long-running negotiations. The compromise followed a late-night public exchange on X in which Stevenson accepted a counter-offer; he wrote, “You got a deal.” The report adds that the absence of any mention of a rehydration clause may indicate that secondary objections have also been eased. Boxing Ring News notes the report remains unverified and that a formal announcement or signed contract may still be days or weeks away.
Late-night exchange on X sees Stevenson accept 145lb proposal
Weight gap and rehydration clause had been sticking points
Negotiations had been hindered by a clear divergence in recent career paths. Boxing News notes Haney has established himself at 147lb after capturing the WBO welterweight world title last November via unanimous decision over Brian Norman Jr in Riyadh, and had pressed for a genuine 147lb contest. Stevenson, meanwhile, moved down to 140lb and, in January, became a four-weight world champion when he outpointed Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden. Stevenson had been pushing for a 144lb catchweight, creating a public stalemate over the limit.
Rehydration clause unclear; formal signing still awaited
Boxing News points out the overnight exchange contained no reference to the rehydration clause Haney had previously urged Stevenson to drop. The lack of mention suggests that the second hurdle may also have been quietly cleared, but the report does not confirm this. It adds that, while the public compromise removes the most visible obstacle, formal confirmation — paperwork, contracts or an announcement — may still be days or weeks away.
Both men arrive off career-defining wins as pressure grows on camps
The report frames the catchweight development against each fighter’s recent high-profile victories: Haney’s WBO welterweight win in Riyadh and Stevenson’s January success over Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden. Boxing News says the weight dispute's resolution leaves the burden on both camps to finalise terms and put pen to paper, should they wish to stage what would be a significant US domestic clash. Boxing Ring News reiterates that this account is based on Boxing News’s reporting and remains unverified.