Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney may be two of the most talked-about fighters in boxing today, but a potential matchup between them is completely off the table. Interestingly, despite competing in different weight divisions, both fighters find themselves under scrutiny for similar reasons.
Recently, Stevenson successfully defended his WBC World Lightweight title with a ninth-round TKO victory over Josh Padley at The Venue Riyadh Season in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Haney, who remains undefeated at 31-0, continues to build his reputation in the Super Lightweight division. However, questions linger over both fighters’ credibility—Stevenson’s latest performance raised doubts, and Haney’s assertion that he dominated Ryan Garcia in their April 2024 fight has also been met with skepticism.
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As these discussions unfold, an old video of boxing legend James Toney has resurfaced. The footage, filmed after Gervonta “Tank” Davis secured an eighth-round knockout against Frank Martin in Las Vegas, features Toney making a bold prediction about Stevenson and Haney’s fate if they were to ever face Davis. Without hesitation, Toney confidently predicted that both fighters would be “slept”—a boxing term meaning knocked out cold.
Gervonta Davis: A Nightmare for Stevenson and Haney?
Toney, a former multi-division world champion, did not mince words. When asked about how a fight between Davis and either Stevenson or Haney would play out, he kept his response short and decisive: “SLEPT.” His confidence in Davis’ power and finishing ability left little room for debate.
While some fans may disagree with Toney’s prediction, the question remains—how accurate is it? Could Davis truly dominate both fighters?
The Bigger Picture
Davis, known for his ability to dismantle opponents with precision and power, has never shied away from dismissing potential rivals. In 2023, he took to social media to downplay Keyshawn Davis, calling him “not even worth mentioning.” Similarly, he has shown little interest in fighting Stevenson, despite Stevenson’s continued push for a bout. Davis’ 30-0 record speaks for itself, and his recent training footage—where he showcased fast combinations and fluid footwork ahead of his March 1 fight against Lamont Roach Jr.—further highlights his skills.
Meanwhile, Haney’s size advantage as a 140-pound fighter may not be enough to overpower Davis, who fights at 135 pounds but carries devastating knockout power. With Haney set to return to the ring after a long layoff, his focus is currently on a rematch against Jose Ramirez. On the other hand, his longtime rival, Ryan Garcia, is preparing for a May showdown against Rolando Romero for the WBA regular welterweight title. If both Haney and Garcia win their respective fights, it could set the stage for their long-awaited rematch. However, a Davis vs. Haney clash remains unlikely for now.
Josh Padley’s Insight and Tank’s Reaction
Following his loss to Stevenson, Josh Padley gave an interview where he provided insight into the fight. According to him, Stevenson’s headshots were not particularly damaging, but the body shots took a toll on him. Given that Padley took the fight on only four days’ notice, his ability to withstand Stevenson’s punches raises questions about how Stevenson would fare against a power puncher like Davis.
Davis himself seemed unimpressed with Stevenson’s performance. Shortly after the fight, he took to social media, simply posting “Lol” in response—an apparent dig at Stevenson’s struggle to put away an opponent with limited preparation.
Before that, in an interview with the Jay Hill Network, Davis openly dismissed Stevenson’s accomplishments, calling them “amateur” and stating that Stevenson has yet to face elite-level opponents. According to Davis, Stevenson has not made a significant impact on boxing yet.
The Bigger Question: Davis vs. Roach Jr.
As the debate continues over Davis’ potential matchups, the immediate focus shifts to his upcoming fight against Lamont Roach Jr. on March 1. The fight presents another opportunity for Davis to prove why he is considered one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport.
With opinions divided, one question remains: Is Gervonta Davis truly the worst possible matchup for Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney? Or do Stevenson and Haney have the skills to neutralize his power and prove the doubters wrong?