From the looks of it, the chokehold over Devin Haney appears to be tightening. To many, he seems serious about resolving pending issues at the current division. However, the Californian often cites a move to the Light Welterweight division. But as the latest updates appear, the noose around Haney might squeeze with each passing day. A reigning champion awaits him in the Light Welterweight. However, Gervonta Davis, released from prison last week, and Shakur Stevenson, who moved to the division this year, pose a credible risk.

Two months ago, the undisputed Lightweight champion drew widespread flak for a listless performance against an aging Vasiliy Lomachenko.  While he sets up his next move, a few days ago, the Twitter exchange between Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson made headlines. It was even posited in a boxinenews24 article whether the former’s offer was a deliberate move. A predictable rejection from Stevenson lent a credible alibi for Haney to seek out better pastures.

Devin Haney at the road’s end: either Regis Prograis or Shakur Stevenson

However, WBC’s Mauricio Sulaiman remains clear on what ‘The Dream’ needs to do. Speaking to ‘Broadway Joel,’ Sulaiman clarified that the undisputed champion has time till July 21 to decide. ‘The Voice of Dominican Boxing’ inquired about when Haney had to settle on a fight with either Shakur Stevenson in 135 lbs. or take on Regis Prograis, the WBC Light Welterweight champion, if he plans to scale up.

Mauricio Sulaiman replied, “Friday Friday, July 21 is a deadline for Haney to secure if he’s fighting Prograis or he’s going to stay in uh in the lightweight division.” When the host checked whether Haney had ‘voluntary options,’ Sulaiman clarified that he didn’t. He needs to fight Stevenson as a mandatory challenger. The confirmation soon found its way to the Newark, New Jersey-born Southpaw’s Twitter handle, which he shared immediately with followers.

Even yesterday, responding to @e_elricc‘s tweet on the information, Stevenson replied that as the three-division world champion, he eagerly awaits the time, tightening his seatbelt.

Shakur Stevenson yelled loudly, “For now, bro, for now,” as Devin Haney passed by in the ring after defeating Lomachenko. ‘The Dream’, staring at the new threat, said, “I’m the number one.” Perhaps ‘Sugar’ may finally prove himself right with WBC’s confirmation. Exciting as it is, the response from Devin Haney and his team remains keenly awaited in light of the recent developments.

Read More: Shakur Stevenson Reacts to Being Ranked Fifth on Updated Ring Magazine Lightweight Rankings

What’s your take on Stevenson’s future in the Lightweight division? Do you think he has it to topple the well-known names and mark his presence? Please share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Everything you need to know about ongoing Devin Haney vs. Shakur Stevenson negotiations