Devin Haney Reinstated as WBC Lightweight Champion
In order to help clarify things in the lightweight division, this week the WBC formally reinstated Devin “The Dream” Haney (24-0, 15 KO’s) as their lightweight champion. For many, the move was simply common sense. Last November, in the wake of his first title defense, against Alfredo Santiago, Haney came to discover that he would require surgery on his shoulder.
The surgery would leave him unable to defend for an indeterminate amount of time. Due to this, the WBC felt as though some action was necessary.
SLIPPERY SHOULDER SLOPE
After undergoing that corrective operation, The Dream was nearly immediately reclassified as a “champion in recess.” It was a bit puzzling why this happened with such speed though. The situation was muddled even more when the WBC ordered Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (35-2-, 24 KO’s) to face Luke Campbell (20-3, 16 KO’s) for the vacant strap.
However, before the details of his bout could be hammered out, COVID-19 obliterated all boxing events for the foreseeable future. Since this time, Devin Haney has announced that he was back in fighting shape and ready to defend his title. Initially it was thought that upon his return, he would be granted an immediate shot at the winner of Fortuna v Campbell. Yet, since that prizefight never transpired, it appears the WBC feels the simplest math is to just reinstate Haney.
“As of now, I am the WBC champ. It was announced today by the WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman. He announced that I am the WBC champ. We don’t know what will happen with [Javier] Fortuna and [Luke] Campbell, but as of now, I am the current champion.”
NOW WHAT?!
At the moment, it is still unknown who Haney will face as his next in ring competitor. On the outside looking in, it would seem that Fortuna would still the front-runner. He is still the mandatory challenger and Haney said he is very open to assuming this obligated assignment. In any event, stay tuned to 3kingsboxing for all the latest in boxing news and updates.
“As of now, I don’t know. With the whole COVID-19, I don’t know how it will play out.”
By: Bakari Simpson
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