Jack Catterall picks Devin Haney to beat Shakur Stevenson, pointing to a measurement benefit that would drive Shakur to work more durable to manage their exchanges from outdoors.
Haney makes use of an identical method constructed across the jab, however with an extended attain. For my part, his jab is best, making this a troublesome matchup for Shakur if Haney enters the ring snug on the weight.
“I simply suppose the scale distinction. I believe I’d must go Devin Haney,” Catterall stated on Combat Your Nook. “I’ve seen them each within the flesh, and I simply suppose Devin appears to be like a lot greater than him.”
That evaluation helps clarify the attraction of Shakur’s proposed 144-pound catchweight. Bringing Haney under the welterweight restrict may make his reduce extra demanding. If that impacts his vitality or endurance, Shakur would profit.
Haney publicly accepted 144 in June, however that acceptance didn’t produce a accomplished deal. Shakur subsequently backed his pal Keyshawn Davis pursuing Haney as a substitute. After that route fell by way of, Haney’s camp was not prepared to accommodate Shakur’s weight calls for.
The boxing argument is easy. Towards an opponent who repeatedly rushes ahead, Shakur can let openings come to him. Haney may make him provoke extra typically by scoring together with his jab and declining to chase.
Shakur would wish to get previous that jab, counter it constantly or improve his output sufficient to cease Haney from gathering rounds. His defensive capacity would assist, however avoiding punches alone wouldn’t win these exchanges.
Haney would additionally want selection. Repeating the identical jab with out altering its timing may give Shakur alternatives to counter.
Catterall’s choose places the deal with how Shakur handles one other affected person boxer with higher attain. On the full welterweight restrict, Haney may make Shakur come ahead greater than he prefers. That may be a substantial motive to favor him, even with out assuming a catchweight would weaken him.
