Devin Haney has a big decision to make for his career – stay at lightweight and defend his four belts, or move up to super-lightweight and challenge for some more.
The 24-year-old became undisputed against George Kambosos Jr in Australia back in 2022. Four months later, he retained that title in a rematch, and has since made his second successful defence against former unified champion, Vasily Lomachenko.
Sticking around at 135lbs means Haney will be forced to face his mandatory challenger, Shakur Stevenson. The two-division world champ is hot on Haney’s heels, and is making moves to force his position as number one.
If he decides to begin a campaign at 140, something he’s been considering for some time now, there seems two be two solid options on the table – WBC champion Regis Prograis or the WBO’s Teofimo Lopez.
Prograis has been in negotiations for the fight via his promoter, Eddie Hearn, and said he wants it in November. He took to Twitter to send a stark warning to Haney about taking the fight, and mentioned that his lightweight option wasn’t ideal either.
“Either Devin can stay there and get outboxed by Shakur or come up to fight me and get his teeth knocked out. Stuck between a rock and a hard place.”
Either Devin can stay there and get outboxed by Shakur or come up to fight me and get his teeth knocked out. Stuck between a rock and a hard place.
— Rougarou (@RPrograis) July 18, 2023
Haney has been given until Friday July 21 by the WBC to decide if he’s staying at lightweight or moving up.
As of writing, Haney hasn’t responded to Prograis, but fans can expect a decision soon as to his next move.