Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney in advanced talks for a mega-fight

Both fighters, who consistently feature among the best pound-for-pound boxers, have been trading barbs on social media over the weight, but signals from their camps suggest a deal is close.

Four-division champion Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) turned his attention to current WBO welterweight champion Haney (33-0, 15 KOs) after plans for a fight with Manny Pacquiao fell through. That bout was meant to be the co-main event of Netflix’s big show in Cardiff, Wales, headlined by the heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. According to officials, funding two fighters with eight-figure purses proved impossible.

Before the Stevenson option emerged, the 27-year-old Haney had been negotiating a fight with IBF champion Liam Paro, planned for 28 November in Atlanta. The 29-year-old Stevenson, who fights under the Zuffa Boxing banner, had also held talks with WBA super lightweight champion Gary Antuanne Russell. Those talks collapsed after Russell’s trainer and brother, Gary Russell Jr., revealed the offer was worth less than $2 million.

Stevenson has since posted a firm message on social media: “Let’s stop negotiating on the internet. It’s time to show courage in front of the whole world and make the biggest and best fight in boxing.”

Haney wants the fight at the welterweight limit of 147 lbs (66.7 kg) without a rehydration clause, while Stevenson, who debuted at 140 lbs (63.5 kg) with a convincing win over Teofimo Lopez, is pushing for a catchweight of 144 lbs (65.3 kg).