Is Devin Haney Going to Super Lightweight?!
Sadly, too often in the boxing world, some of the more gifted pugilists go publicly blacklisted without repercussion. Although he was recently defeated, former WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr was notoriously avoided for years. The same is true of WBO middleweight champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade and WBC lightweight champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (27-0, 15 KO’s). So far, unable to secure the big fights he wants a 135, Haney is contemplating a migration one degree north.
FIGHT OR FLIGHT
If given his choice, Haney would happily remain at lightweight and fight for undisputed status. Instead, he has found locking down a duel with new unified lightweight champion George Kambosos just as fruitless as when Teofimo Lopez lorded over the titles.
“I don’t know what may happen, he’s saying a lot of different things. One moment it’s this, one moment it’s that. One moment it’s me, one moment it’s Ryan [Garcia], one moment he wants Tank [Gervonta Davis]. They don’t really have their minds made up on what they want to do. Team Haney, HP [Haney Promotions], Matchroom [Boxing] we all know what we want to do.”
Unwilling to cast large chunks of his career into the fire of inactivity, the Dream has come up with a backup plan. And, it’s a plan that just may get put into effect sooner rather than later.
“We’re looking at 140. I would still keep my belt at 135, it would just be like a one off at 140 just to test, see how it feel.”
WHAT THINGS MAY COME
While his heart and loyalty may be invested at 135, the bigger opportunities may truly be waiting at super lightweight. It’s hard to believe that Regis Prograis would shy away from a fight with the champ. Or, he could continue his pursuit of Teofimo Lopez into a second division. That is still a fantastic dustup.
Perhaps, if he enjoys how his body responds at the new weight, maybe he does officially vacate and attempt to force a WBC mandatory situation to get a shot at undisputed super lightweight champion Josh Taylor. Who knows what will take place next, but it certainly does appear that the 140 contingency plan may work out for all parties involved!
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By: Bakari Simpson
