Devin Haney desires to change into a two-time undisputed champion, however his first reign at light-weight nonetheless leaves followers arguing over how a lot credit score he deserves. A run by way of the welterweight champions would give him an opportunity to alter that dialog.
“High quality over amount.. 2X undisputed is on the agenda InshaAllah,” Haney wrote on X.
The WBO welterweight champion is predicted to face IBF titleholder Liam Paro on December 19 at Chase Heart in San Francisco, in keeping with Mike Coppinger of The Ring. Haney’s submit didn’t identify Paro or verify the date and venue.
Beating Paro would put two belts in Haney’s arms. What occurs afterward will decide whether or not his second undisputed pursuit turns into a stronger achievement than his first.
Haney’s light-weight reign started with a present from the WBC. In 2019, the sanctioning physique elevated him from interim champion after designating Vasiliy Lomachenko its franchise champion. Haney didn’t beat Lomachenko for the complete WBC title, and the “electronic mail champion” label caught.
Haney defended that belt and ultimately grew to become undisputed by beating George Kambosos Jr. in 2022. He deserves credit score for touring to Australia and clearly defeating the champion, who had upset Teofimo Lopez to gather three titles.
However Kambosos gave Haney a shortcut to the opposite three belts. As a substitute of getting to beat three separate titleholders, he collected the WBA, IBF, and WBO championships in a single battle in opposition to a single opponent. That was a product of how the division’s belts had been organized, but it surely additionally formed the extent of problem Haney confronted.
His most demanding light-weight protection got here in opposition to Lomachenko in 2023. Haney received a unanimous resolution, however loads of followers and observers believed Lomachenko deserved it. Haney left with the belts and an official victory, whereas the argument over who received continued.
Paro is a official champion, and beating him can be a significant begin. However two belts received’t make Haney undisputed. He would nonetheless want the WBA and WBC titles, and people fights must be negotiated and received.
That’s the place Haney’s “high quality over amount” declare will likely be examined. An undisputed marketing campaign can stall if champions battle annually or spend months negotiating. Haney will want high quality opponents and sufficient exercise to carry the belts collectively.
His light-weight reign is on the file. At welterweight, he has a possibility to go away much less room for debate: beat Paro, face the opposite champions, and win the remaining titles within the ring.
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