Devin Haney's upcoming fight with Shakur Stevenson is contingent on a 144-pound catchweight, as Stevenson refuses to budge from this demand.
What is the reason behind Stevenson's demand?
Stevenson points to Haney's recent fight history, where he fought Jose Ramirez at 144 pounds, as justification for the catchweight.
Haney had taken on Ramirez at a reduced weight, and Stevenson believes this precedent warrants a contracted catchweight now.
How does this affect the potential fight?
The WBO title, held by Haney, comes with a 147-pound limit, which may force a compromise or kill the fight altogether.
Stevenson's stance may depend on which man blinks first, with no timeline set for an agreement.
And the leverage of championship gold rests with Haney, who may use this to negotiate the terms of the fight.
What are the implications for Devin Haney?
Devin Haney's fight history shows he has demonstrated a willingness to fight below the welterweight ceiling, which Stevenson sees as a reason to meet in the middle at 144 pounds.
But Haney's preference for the full welterweight limit may put the fight in jeopardy if Stevenson refuses to back down.
So the question remains whether Haney will concede to Stevenson's demands or hold firm on his preference for 147 pounds.
Stevenson, a four-division champion, told Inside the Ring he sees no reason to accommodate Haney's preference, stating "I'm pound-for-pound one of the best fighters in the sport of boxing, bro.