Ryan Garcia’s recent antics have sent shockwaves through the boxing world, leaving fans wondering if his April bout against Devin Haney is hanging by a thread. Enter Shakur Stevenson, boldly proclaiming his readiness to step into Garcia’s shoes if the need arises. But amidst the buzz, Bill Haney, Devin’s father, and trainer, swiftly doused Stevenson’s hopes with a dose of reality.
A Clear Stand
In a recent Instagram Live session, Bill Haney made his stance abundantly clear, firmly dismissing Shakur Stevenson’s aspirations to fill in for Garcia. “Anybody else sending out messages that they’re going to fill in… they can’t do any of that… They want to talk about Devin when he got a fight lined up… No, we’re not going to talk about that and I didn’t want to talk about that and it’s not that I would never entertain a fight between him and Devin. That’s completely false,” he declared, setting the record straight and shutting down any speculation about a potential matchup.
Devin Haney’s father/trainer Bill Haney firing back at Shakur Stevenson today after he claimed he could jump in and replace Ryan Garcia on April 20th: “He ain’t fought nobody.”
[🎥 @BillHaney77] pic.twitter.com/TUltJerSPb
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) March 19, 2024
Questioning Credibility
Moreover, Haney didn’t hold back in questioning Stevenson’s credibility, stating, “What I’ll never do is think that Shakur Stevenson’s word in business means anything… You’ve seen unethical things that he’s done when I talk to him. He records and then misconstrues the recording… I text him and we text back and forth. He comes back to the media and shows the media the text and then misinterprets the text as if we not with what we appear to be with.” This scathing critique not only highlighted the lack of trust between the two camps but also shed light on Stevenson’s past demands during negotiations, which were deemed unreasonable.
Assessment of Performance
Haney’s criticism extended to Stevenson’s boxing resume, bluntly stating, “He ain’t fought nobody,” suggesting that Stevenson’s opponents haven’t adequately prepared him for a fighter of Devin Haney’s caliber. He specifically pointed out flaws in Stevenson’s recent performance against Edwin De Los Santos, further cementing his skepticism about Stevenson’s readiness for a title shot.
Frustration and Disappointment
The frustration in Bill Haney’s tone was evident as he lamented Stevenson’s reliance on social media tactics rather than professional negotiations. “With all the tweeting, texting… they haven’t been able to land the fight yet. It can’t be everybody else’s fault,” he remarked, highlighting the inefficacy of public call-outs in securing meaningful bouts.
Mia’s Insight
Haney’s statements portrayed a team resolute in their focus, undeterred by external distractions or the allure of last-minute replacements. Despite Stevenson’s attempts to stir the pot, Haney and his camp remain steadfast in their commitment to their path. As the boxing world waits with bated breath to see how the Ryan Garcia saga unfolds. One thing remains certain – Bill Haney isn’t buying into the hype, and Stevenson’s bid for a title shot with Devin Haney seems all but dismissed.
