Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia are both looking at permanent campaigns in the super-lightweight division, and they want a title shot to kickstart it all.
Following his loss to Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis at a catchweight of 136lbs, Garcia confirmed he would be moving to the more-comfortable 140 ranks for good. He’s fought in the division twice before, with wins over Emmanuel Tagoe and Javier Fortuna.
Eyeing the first world title of his career at 24-years-old, the California native has called out WBC Champion, Regis Prograis. He took to Twitter with a message for Prograis’ promoter, Eddie Hearn: ‘Tell Eddie if Regis wants it we can run that as well.’
Unfortunately for Garcia, the WBC have called for Prograis to face his mandatory challenger in Sandor Martin. There’s one option, according to the promoter via IFL TV, that would allow him another fight – Devin Haney.
As Haney is currently undisputed champion one division down, he’ll be granted by the WBC an immediate title shot if he decides to vacate his belts and move up.
It’s something Hearn is keen on, and he believes Haney is too. Speaking again to IFL TV, the promoter said an offer had been made and a deal was ‘close’ but would also be speaking to Garcia’s team.
“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.
Ryan Garcia has now reached out to fight Regis Prograis but Jack Catterall wants it. Regis Progrias is in a great position right now, probably because of a subpar performance.
Devin wants that fight, it’s a massive fight for DAZN. Ryan Garcia wants the fight, we’ll speak to his team, we haven’t yet but we’ll see what happens.”
It appears it’s Martin or Haney for Prograis, and it’s clear which fight draws more eyes, money and intrigue. As for Garcia, he may just have to target one of the other title holders in the division.