Momentum toward finalizing a deal has stalled, however, with several false starts, primarily around what weight the fight would be contested at, as well as a potential rehydration clause.

Stevenson became The Ring and WBO 140-pound champion in his division debut at the start of the year, beating Teofimo Lopez on points in sensational fashion. Haney, the WBO 147-pound titleholder, scored the crown in November by beating Brian Norman in his first fight at the weight, too.

In recent days, Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) has been open to a fight at 147 pounds with a 10-pound rehydration clause, while Haney (33-0, 15 KOs) has asked for the fight to take place at 145 without a rehydration clause.

The weighty drama has spilled into social media with both bargaining in front of the public for a fight that has been tentatively targeted for November 28 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

"I've been studying this fight for the last few weeks, and I think Shakur has enough skill and ability to beat Devin at 147 pounds," Hall of Fame fighter and commentator Timothy Bradley said on a recent episode of “Inside The Ring” on DAZN and The Ring’s YouTube channel.

"Now, I know that's not a popular opinion. I get it, because Haney has shown that he's proven, legit and world class. But I just feel like Shakur, at this point in his career, he has to show how great he is. Everybody is looking and talking about Shakur. There's always going to be an asterisk there [if Stevenson beats Haney at a catchweight].

"People are going to say, well, 'It wasn't really at the 147-pound limit, and Haney wasn't at his full potential. He really wasn't there.' They're going to say that. I personally feel that Shakur can beat Devin at 147 pounds. Haney can be 160-170 pounds on the night. I still think Shakur has the skills and abilities to control him. He's a better inside and outside fighter coming from the southpaw stance."

Bradley pointed to Haney's fight at 135 pounds against the much smaller southpaw Vasiliy Lomachenko in May 2023 as a reason why Stevenson should enjoy success. Haney beat Lomachenko by unanimous decision in a hotly contested and somewhat controversial unanimous decision victory.

"Haney struggled against Lomachenko … Haney is going up on a year [layoff], and that's a long time outside of the ring," Bradley said.

"Stop talking, guys. That's all I see on social media. They talk back and forth. Let's cut the bullcrap out. The fans are getting sick and tired of it, me included. Let's go ahead and sign a contract on the damn dotted line, and get this fight going to show your greatness."

On Tuesday, Zuffa Boxing and UFC frontman Dana White was asked during a press conference if the Stevenson-Haney fight was happening.

"If the [rumors] were [true], I would've announced it," he said.

Stevenson signed a promotional pact with Zuffa in July but has been growing increasingly frustrated navigating his career without a scheduled fight.

Haney, meanwhile, has seen negotiations crumble with Keyshawn Davis, Rolando Romero, Lopez and Liam Paro since last fighting 11 months ago.