Devin Haney has been weighing up a decision on whether or not to vacate his 135lbs undisputed title to move up a division.
The 24-year-old became four-belt champion by beating George Kambosos Jr last year, and successfully retained those titles in a rematch.
Following a second defence of his status against Vasily Lomachenko this year, he was ordered by the WBC to decide on facing mandatory challenger, Shakur Stevenson, or its super-lightweight champion, Regis Prograis.
It’s no secret that Haney has been in talks with Prograis’ team to make that fight happen, and Boxing Scene now reports that he has informed the sanctioning body that that’s his intention.
In normal circumstances, that would mean vacating the lightweight belts, however it’s claimed Haney has petitioned to keep hold of these – or at least the WBC.
That move will not sit well with Stevenson, who is due a shot at the title no matter who holds it. He took to Twitter to comment on the developments.
“I respect the WBC and Mauricio but come on now y’all can’t allow him not to fight me move up in weight and hold the belts.. That don’t even make sense!”
The WBC has recently come under criticism for allowing heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, to step away from the sport and face MMA star, Francis Ngannou.
Fans see this as holding up the division, and would likely feel the same should Haney be allowed to hold onto the belt whilst he pursues other titles one weight up.
That said, there’s no guarantee that the board of governors tasked with answering the petition will vote in favour of it.