Devin Haney is set for a big decision – remain undisputed champion at lightweight, or move up a division and become challenger once more.
Following his successful defence against Vasily Lomachenko, Haney has been called to face his WBC mandatory challenger, Shakur Stevenson.
The pair have been involved in a public back and forth, but Stevenson refused a reported 25% for the fight – later saying he didn’t believe it to be a real offer.
That sanctioning body – as well as the WBO – have now made moves to force Haney’s hand. As undisputed champion, he’s entitled to move up to super lightweight and walk straight into a title shot with both organisations.
On the table is the WBC’s Regis Prograis and the WBO’s Teofimo Lopez, who has rescinded his announcement of retirement at the prospect of fighting Haney.
Haney’s father and trainer, Bill, appeared on ESPN this weekend and said the the Prograis fight makes the most sense for his son, with a unification bout against Lopez the goal thereafter.
If that plan comes off, it would mean Haney will vacate his titles at lightweight, likely leaving Stevenson to face Lomachenko for at least the WBC belt.
Haney and Prograis have been in official talks via Matchroom – Eddie Hearn’s promotional outfit which now represents Prograis and previously worked with Haney.
Boxing Social has been informed that talks are progressing but not finalised, with the ideal location being Las Vegas and date around October.
Prograis is 29-1 with 24 knockouts. The New Orleans native bounced back from a loss to Josh Taylor to win the vacant title against Jose Zepeda, and has defended it once against Danielito Zorrilla.