The wheeling and dealing of Mauricio Sulaiman have been on full display over the past several days.

After sifting through various weight classes, Sulaiman ordered a long list of bouts that would seemingly take place at some point in 2023. Amongst them, both Shakur Stevenson and Isaac Cruz were called to the carpet. With Devin Haney engaging in meaningful talks to defend his undisputed lightweight throne against Vasiliy Lomachenko, Sulaiman has determined that the winner between Cruz and Stevenson would serve as Haney’s mandatory challenger.

Shortly after his announcement, Stevenson (19-0, 9 KOs) took to social media as fans began pestering the former champion with questions surrounding his possible showdown against Cruz.

“I don’t duck and dodge anybody,” said Stevenson on his verified Twitter account.

But despite Stevenson’s willingness to face the rough and rugged contender, Bob Arum, his longtime promoter, urges fans to pay no attention to Sulaiman’s recent mandate. Although neither side has attempted to negotiate terms to an agreement, Arum is convinced that the 24-year-old will tuck his tail in between his legs and duck for cover.

“I don't think so,” said Arum to FightHype.com when asked if a matchup between Stevenson and Cruz can become a reality. “I don't think Cruz really is anxious to fight him. I don't think anybody really is anxious to fight Shakur so I don’t think that fight will happen. I think we'll probably go in a different direction for Shakur. I don’t blame Cruz for not wanting to fight him.”

Cruz, of course, rose to national prominence following his highly competitive bout against Gervonta Davis in December of 2021. While he came up short, Cruz (24-2-1, 17 KOs) has been universally praised for testing Davis like no other.

Since making a name for himself, the Mexican star hasn't sat on his laurels. Instead, the current WBC interim titlist has registered back-to-back stoppage victories, the latest coming of the violent variety against Eduardo Ramirez.

Stevenson, on the other hand, has continued his dominant run. Following a failed attempt to make the 130-pound weight limit against Robson Conceicao, Stevenson reluctantly handed over his WBO and WBC super featherweight titles.

With the former two-division champion officially set to crash the 135-pound party, Arum is hopeful that the winner of Haney vs. Lomachenko will immediately square off against Stevenson.

In any event, Arum remains dubious that Cruz will ultimately elect to fight Stevenson. However, if team Cruz pitches a serious offer, Arum reveals that he’ll quickly move forward with their showdown.