Devin Haney Leaves a Cheeky Response As Alberto Puello Gets Upgraded to Full Time Champion

Devin Haney is not backing down without throwing a shade. The past couple of months have been emotionally and physically tolling for him as he endured a beatdown from Ryan Garcia but campaigned hard for his loss to be overturned. As the American boxer has succeeded in his endeavor, he has decided to take some time off the boxing ring. What happens to the super-lightweight division? Alberto Puello ascends to the throne, and he already has an amusing welcome from the outgoing champion.

Puello, 29, recently clinched the WBC interim super lightweight strap when he went toe-to-toe with Gary Antuanne Russell on June 15. However, many onlookers and viewers believed he didn’t do enough to bag a win. But now it is a tale of the past and with the WBC’s latest announcement, he finds himself at the top of 140 hierarchy. Interestingly, the Dominican fighter will now defend his crown against Sandor Martin next, substituting Haney. Excited at the prospect, he wrote, “I said I deserved it and God brought it to me.”

As expected, this didn’t sit well with ‘The Dream’, and he responded to Puello’s comment. He hit back, citing his importance in ‘The Wasp’s career situation. He declared, “You’re welcome brother..”

What’s more? Antuanne Russell will finally have his chance too, as he will wait for the winner of Puello vs. Martin. So, exciting times with amusing dynamics and mouth-watering matchups await the 140-pound division. But where does it leave Haney? Is the 25-year-old headed for a long layoff, or will he chase glory elsewhere?

What’s next for Devin Haney? Safeguarding at 140, or a new future at 147?

After ‘KingRy’ got banned of a year for testing positive for PED, Haney has also decided to stay away from in-ring action for a while. But the 31-0 record holder remained coy about his next move, as he teased he was up to fight at any weight he desired. He declared, “I’ll be back n one year.. I had all the belts already. From now on I’m fighting at whatever weight I choose no longer fighting n weight classes.”

A move up to 147 has been long muted, especially with the crowning of Mario Barrios as the full champion. Terence Crawford‘s shift to 154 has facilitated the possibility. But the question remains. Will Haney take it? The San Francisco native might prioritize a rematch with Garcia first, and if that doesn’t work out, he might have to tussle with Manny Pacquiao. ‘PacMan’ is eyeing a title shot at Barrios somewhere around November. So, which route will Haney take? We’ll find out soon.

What do you make of this comment by Devin Haney? Do you believe he will make his return soon? Let us know in the comments below.