It seems you do not necessarily have to fight in the ring to win a title. Spence Jr. became the IBF welterweight champion without facing Crawford. The unexpected twist left boxing fans stunned. Post his win against Spence Jr., Crawford was mandated to negotiate with Jaron Ennis for an IBF title defense by September 24.

However, the rematch clause with Spence Jr. hindered negotiations. Despite Crawford’s representative citing an “immediate rematch provision,” the IBF, against such interference, stripped Crawford of his welterweight title. What is next? Ennis was crowned the new IBF welterweight champion without facing ‘Bud,’ adding a complex layer to the welterweight division dynamics. Devin Haney also shares a similar kind of journey in the lightweight division . Recently, he lashed out at haters for calling him an ’email champion’.

Why is Devin Haney called an email champion?

The undefeated boxer, Haney, had earlier secured the WBC interim champion title, earning a chance to challenge the reigning champion, Vasyl Lomachenko in 2019. However, Lomachenko and his team sought the WBC’s elevation to the newly introduced franchise champion status. This led to Haney inheriting the WBC champion title without even facing the champion, learning about his new status through an email which got him the name ’email champion’. Later, Haney successfully defended his title against Alfredo Santiago. However, The WBC then mandated a bout against mandatory challenger Javier Fortuna, but an injury forced Haney out, leading to the WBC designating him as ‘Champion in Recess.’ This series of events added a unique twist to Haney’s journey in the world of boxing, making it easier for people to raise questions about the relevance of his titles.

Putting the haters in their place, he reposted another post on his X account and said “They hate it cause is me.. I had to go collect all of em & they still hate!” Presently, he stands as the unified world champion in the lightweight division. Not only this, he previously held the undisputed title from 2022 until August 2023. In the latest rankings as of June 2023, ESPN and the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board recognized him as the top active lightweight. Additionally, he secured the third position according to BoxRec. Despite all this, a few still raise questions about the credibility of his journey.

Who and when is Haney fighting next?

The highly anticipated bout between Haney and Regis Prograis is nearing confirmation. It is happening on December 9 at San Francisco’s Chase Center. Initially slated for October 28 in Las Vegas, delays ensued, leading to accusations from Prograis of Haney attempting to alter agreed-upon terms. Haney’s primary concern was avoiding competition with the Tyson Fury-Francis Ngannou heavyweight clash’s pay-per-view. The upcoming super-lightweight clash promises a compelling duel. Prograis defends the WBC light welterweight title against the undefeated and the former undisputed lightweight champion.

Read More: Devin Haney Brands Renowned Boxing Reporter a “Hating A** B**ch” for His Remarks Over Controversial Vasyl Lomachenko Fight

Regardless of whether the boxer clashed inside in the ring, a title is a title at the end of the day. While some might find it unfair, others are more or less accepting of it. How else can a situation like such where a fighter pulls out of the fight be approached? Do you have any ideas? Let us know in the comments below.

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