Sulaiman Gives Haney A Deadline: Move Up Or Stay At 135!
Undisputed lightweight champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (30-0, 15KO) is facing a crucial decision that will shape his boxing future. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has revealed a deadline for Haney to inform the organization about his plans.
The Dream must choose between moving up to junior welterweight and become the next challenge for WBC champion Regis Prograis or remain in the lightweight division. If he chooses the latter, his mandatory challenger and two-divisional champion Shakur “Fearless” Stevenson awaits.
In an interview with Broadway Joel, Sulaiman gave a time frame for when the undisputed champion needs to submit his decision.
“Friday, July 21 is the deadline for Haney to secure if he’s fighting Prograis or if he’s going to stay in the lightweight division.
“He has Shakur Stevenson as the mandatory in the lightweight division.”
Mauricio Sulaiman – WBC President
OPTIONS AT JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT
On May 20, Haney successfully defended the undisputed crown for a second time against multi-divisional champion Vasyl “Hi-Tech” Lomachenko. Immediately following the victory, Fearless wasted no time letting the undisputed champion know he wants next.
Haney is currently a free agent and has been reviewing all options from different boxing platforms looking to acquire his services. It is believed that he plans on leaving for more glory in the junior welterweight division.
Matchroom Boxing Eddie Hearn has expressed a serious interest in resigning the undisputed champion to make the fight with Prograis.
Top Rank chairman Bob Arum has tried to lure Haney into resigning by offering up a fight with arch-rival WBO champion Teofimo Lopez. The two champions set social media on fire with a heated exchange that has fans believing that they may finally meet in the ring (hyperlink#3).
RELATED: Devin Haney To Teofimo Lopez: “Yo Ass Never Retired!”
As of the writing of this article, there has been no response from the undisputed champion concerning Sulaiman’s comments.
3kings Boxing will continue to follow this story and provide any further updates.
