Shakur Stevenson has made it clear that he does not view Devin Haney on the same level as Keyshawn Davis. With Haney deciding between a WBO title defense against mandatory challenger Keyshawn or a fight against Shakur, Stevenson left little doubt about who he believes is the superior fighter.

“He’s my Chico. Like I be sparring with him where it’s high level. Like I feel like me and him is like the best fighters in the sport of boxing,” said Shakur to Fighthype, talking about his good friend, Keyshawn. “I don’t really believe there’s any better fighters in the sport right now than me and Keyshawn. I go in the ring with these dudes that’s not as good as him because I don’t believe Devin is as good as him.

“If Key get the fight, I’m good with it, and I’m happy for my bro, and I’m going be right there alongside of him and pushing him to get to the next level. Same as he did for me my last fight.”

Rather than saying Haney would lose, Shakur simply placed his longtime friend on a higher level than the WBO champion.

Shakur also rejected the idea that he is trying to take Keyshawn’s title opportunity. He said Haney’s team now has a decision to make with Keyshawn holding the mandatory position.

Shakur said Haney’s camp had been discussing a fight with Keyshawn long before his own name entered the conversation. He added that he never wanted to interfere with that path, but once Haney’s side began mentioning him publicly, he welcomed the challenge.

Haney now has three marquee options in front of him. He can satisfy his WBO obligation against Keyshawn, fight Shakur, or wait to face the winner of the Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn fight. Shakur’s position is unmistakable. He believes Keyshawn is the better fighter, but says he will support whichever direction Haney chooses.