Devin Haney is set to choose his upcoming opponent, a move that will decide whether he is champion or challenger the next time he steps through the ropes.
The undisputed lightweight champion recently retained his belts with a win over Vasily Lomachenko and, despite calls for a rematch, looks set to either defend against the WBC’s mandatory challenger, Shakur Stevenson, or make a long-discussed move up in weight.
Waiting for him at super-lightweight is champion Regis Prograis.
Speaking on Broadway Joel, the WBC’s President, Mauricio Sulaiman, said Friday July 21 was the date Haney must decide by.
“Friday July 21st is the deadline for Haney to secure if he’s fighting Prograis or he’s gonna stay in the lightweight division. No [voluntary option] Shakur Stevenson is the mandatory in the lightweight division.”
The pair were recently engaged in a back and forth that inspired Lopez to confirm he was out of his short-lived retirement and that he wanted to fight Haney next.
It’s well known that Stevenson has been doing all he can to force the WBC to call the mandatory so he can have his undisputed shot, but he’s been unhappy with a purse split reportedly offered by Haney.
Prograis recently asked promoter Eddie Hearn to clarify if he was facing Haney in November, to which Haney responded ‘October’ – a date Prograis can’t do.
Whatever Haney decides, it looks like his hand will be forced soon. Should he move up for either Prograis or Lopez, the lightweight belts will be vacated and fragmented, with Stevenson fighting for the vacant WBC.