Devin Haney To Come Under Criticism For Turning Down Fights
Two-division champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (31-0, 15KO) has seen his last days fighting at junior welterweight. As consequence, Haney will be accused of ducking mandatory challenger Sandor Martin and WBO champion “The Takeover” Teofimo Lopez.
The boxing community is buzzing as the WBC released a statement explaining its decision to place Haney as Champion in Recess on their website.
“WBC Super Lightweight World Champion Devin Haney requested to be placed in the status of Champion in Recess. The WBC Board of Governors unanimously granted Champion Haney’s request and has declared him WBC World Champion in Recess.”
IS THIS CONSIDERED A DUCK?
No one should be surprised by this move, as Haney has indicated he would step away from the sport. The Dream wants to return in one year for a rematch with arch-rival Ryan Garcia, who is currently suspended.
Several fans and pundits will consider this a duck as Haney was due to fight Martin (42-3, 15KO). Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, who won the Haney vs Martin purse bid, would later offer up a potential fight with Lopez (20-1, 13KO) to counter Haney’s frustration over the low bid.
When it comes to Sandor Martin, it is understandable why he probably didn’t want to take such a low payday. But Haney needs to understand that regardless of the Garcia loss being overturned, fans’ last vision of him will be getting beaten from pillar to post. Plus, some inside the boxing community believe Martin had a high chance of defeating Haney, whose mental state has come under question.
As for Teofimo Lopez, fans will have a field day with this one. For years, Haney has accused the WBO champion of ducking him. Technically, he is not ducking because facing Lopez would have required vacating his WBC title. That said, it is hard to defend The Dream here.
Buckle up because over the next couple of days, this will be a hot-button topic.
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