WBC lightweight title-holder Devin Haney is set to face Cuban veteran Yuriorkis Gamboa on November 7.
Haney had engaged in an online beef with WBC 126lbs champion Gary Russell Jr. and that fight had been seriously floated though the seasoned Gamboa, 38, always looked a more realistic option.
“I spoke to Haney’s father and he assured me that everything is ready for November 7,” Jesse Rodriguez, Gamboa’s manager, told journalist George Ebro. “Yuri always wanted this fight from the beginning. Other names emerged, but he always insisted on bumping into Haney. Now it’s going to be a reality.”
Former WBA Super and IBF featherweight champion Gamboa (30-3, 18 KOs) was last seen losing in the 12thround to Gervonta Davis in December 2019.
“Yuri is very excited about this fight, now that he’s healthy and rejuvenated. We are waiting for the contract to be sent to us, but the main issues are resolved,” added Rodriguez. “He’s totally recovered, everyone will be able to see Gamboa in great physical and mental condition. It’s amazing how Gamboa’s name arouses interest every time it’s mentioned.”
The 21-year-old Haney (24-0, 15 KOs) may hold a green belt, but he isn’t considered the Mexican organisation’s true champion at the weight. WBC ‘Franchise Champion’ Vasiliy Lomachenko, the real title holder, defends his lightweight crown in a unification clash against IBF king Teofimo Lopez on October 17.