The WBC Grants Devin Haney an Extension to Make a Major Decision

As news of Devin Haney going against Regis Prograis came out, the boxing world went into a frenzy. While excitement for the clash between Haney and Prograis continues to soar, suddenly there are questions about Haney’s mandated fight against Shakur Stevenson. Shakur was named the mandatory challenger at 135 by the WBC, a title that Haney has held on to for too long. However, seeming to move up the ranks, Shakur has now called on the organization to mandate the fight.

In a request by ‘Sugar,’ Stevenson’s managers have asked the WBC to outline the mandated fight between him and Devin Haney. If the organization does that, Haney would have to choose between staying at 135 and defending his titles against Shakur. On the other hand, he could also go up to 140 and fight Regis Prograis. And the latter is exactly what has happened!

WBO calls on Devin Haney to decide if he’ll go against Shakur or Regis

Earlier, the deadline for the mandated fight, as stipulated by the WBC, was July 21, 2023. However, the date has elapsed. The organization has given a new deadline by which Devin Haney will have to declare if he will defend his titles in the 135 class or if he will go up the weight to fight Regis Prograis. ‘The Dream’ Haney has until July 27 to make a decision.

If Devin Haney does decide to move up the weights and forfeit his two titles in the lightweight decision, then the vacant titles will be an easy grab for Shakur. However, it is more likely that ‘Dream’ will do exactly that because of two reasons. One’s being at 135 does not match the money he would get at 140. Secondly, there is a higher risk of him losing against a very seasoned Shakur Stevenson. However, going up against Regis Prograis would mean that he would have to give up his lightweight titles in both the WBO and WBC.

Eddie Hearn pushes for a Haney vs. Prograis

Devin Haney is riding high after his victory against Vasily Lomachenko in May. The fight was nail-biting as both lightweights went back and forth for the entirety of the 12 rounds. However, at the end of it, ‘The Dream’ emerged victorious in a unanimous decision. Given the close nature of the fight, there were calls for a rematch, with Lomachenko voicing them further. However, the decision was not overturned, and no rematch was scheduled.

Eddie Hearn has taken advantage of this and swooped in to plan a big clash between Haney and Regis Prograis. In an interview with IFL TV, the promoter said, “We’ve made an offer to Devin and Bill Haney. I think we’re close on that fight. I spoke to Devin tonight, I’m seeing him in Los Angeles this week… Devin wants that fight with Regis Prograis, it’s a massive fight for DAZN.” In a recent tweet, Haney went on to banter with Prograis, seemingly hinting at their big fight.

Also Read: “You Are Second to None”: Fans Nod in Agreement as Shakur Stevenson Readies Himself For His “Prime Years”

Whatever Devin Haney chooses has a bigger impact on how the titles will be seen for the foreseeable future. If he does vacate the lightweight titles, Shakur Stevenson gets a smoother transition to inherit the title. Further, challenging Regis Progris would mean a stellar clash that could go either way, spilling a million bucks in both their pockets.

What do you think Haney should choose? Let us know in the comments section below.

Watch This Story: Everything you need to know about ongoing Devin Haney vs. Shakur Stevenson negotiations