Devin Haney Named WBC Champion In Recess At Lightweight
For weeks, 3Kings Boxing has kept you abreast on the back-and-forth between lightweight champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (30-0, 15, KOs) and the WBC. Now, Haney has been given the clear to pursue a fight against reigning WBC junior welterweight champion Regis Prograis. However, the sanctioning body has now named Haney Champion in Recess.
SANCTIONING BODY DRAMA
Initially, the WBC had given the 24-year-old a July 21 deadline to inform them if his next fight would be at lightweight or a contest at 140 against Regis Prograis (29-1, 24 KOs). That deadline was extended to July 27.
On July 28, it was announced that Haney to go up in weight and fight Prograis. However, Haney also *petitioned the sanctioning body to keep the WBC lightweight crown.
RELATED: Haney on Prograis Fight: “It’s A Chance To Become A Two-Division Champ”
Upon hearing of what Haney was trying to do, representatives for WBC lightweight mandatory challenger, Shakur Stevenson (20-0, 10 KOs), petitioned the WBC to administer his mandatory status. In a statement on its website, the WBC announced the following:
“The WBC Board of Governors voted in favor of (1) granting Champion Haney’s petition to fight Champion Prograis for the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship; (2) placing Champion Haney as Champion-in-Recess in the Lightweight Division.”
They also will order a contest between Stevenson and their “highest available challenger”. According to their most recent rankings, that would be first-ranked three-division champion Vasyl Lomachenko (17-3, 11 KOs). Additionally, the WBC said that if Haney were to return to the lightweight division after his match with Prograis, they would order a fight between The Dream and whoever becomes the eventual WBC lightweight champion.
TRYING TO APPEASE EVERYONE
In an attempt to hold on to the WBC lightweight belt as he was getting a fight with Prograis, Haney was trying to have his cake and eat it too. Stevenson is having none of it, as he wants to fight for the WBC strap at 135.
This is the WBC’s attempt to satisfy all parties involved. Many boxing enthusiasts would describe their decision as a ball of confusion.
