Undisputed lightweight world champion Devin Haney has found himself at a crossroads that will determine the next course of his career, as he must decide whether to vacate his undisputed titles to move up to Super Lightweight or stay in the division to defend his four 135-pound belts, and he has until Friday, 21st July to decide, as the WBC has set the deadline for him.
135 or 140? Devin Haney must decide by the 21st of July
The American boxer has the option of facing WBC Super Lightweight champion Regis Prograis, although he could also choose to defend his undisputed championship against mandatory challenger Shakur Stevenson.
Mauricio Sulaimán, president of the WBC, has affirmed to Broadway Joel that Haney has until Friday, July 21 to make a decision about his future, whether to remain at lightweight or make the jump to 140 pounds.
“Regarding Devin Haney, how much time does he have to decide whether he’s going to fight Shakur or he’s going to move up to 140? Is there a time limit?” Joel asked the WBC prez.
“July 21 is the deadline for Devin Haney to confirm if he will fight Prograis or if he will stay in the Lightweight division,” Sulaimán responded.
Sulaiman assured that if Haney (30-0, 15 KO) decides to stay at 135 pounds, he must face Shakur Stevenson.
“He will not have a voluntary defense. He has to face Shakur Stevenson, who is the mandatory challenger in the Lightweight division,” added Sulaimán.