Devin Haney's Next Fight Opponent Confirmed By WBC President
Highlights
- Devin Haney impresses as he dominates Regis Prograis in his junior welterweight debut, solidifying his status as a star.
- Haney calls out Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia for mega fights, with interest from Oscar De La Hoya.
- WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman praises Haney and names Sandor Martin as his next mandatory opponent before any superfight.
Devin Haney is a two-division champion in his junior welterweight debut, in front of a hometown crowd. He defeated Regis Prograis and made it look easy. He delivered a comprehensive performance that included knocking him down, dominating him, and making Prograis look like he didn’t belong in the ring with him.
Haney has become a star and needs a mega fight to secure his status as a household name. He called out Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia. Oscar De La Hoya, who promotes Garcia, has expressed interest in making the fight. However, with his new WBC super-lightweight title comes responsibility, and he has a mandatory challenger to defend against.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman Praises Devin Haney, Names His Next Opponent
Sandor Martin Is Up Next For Haney Before Any Superfight
In an interview with Pro Boxing Fans post-fight, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman showered praise on the new champion. "He’s a contender for champion of the year. Two great fights in 2023. A dominating performance. I’m very proud of Devin, he’s a great, great fighter. He moved up to super lightweight, knocked him down, hurt him a couple of times, this kid is for real.”
When asked about potential matchups with other divisional stars, Sulaiman stated, “Devin has so many options, Ryan, Gervonta, Teofimo Lopez. We see a great future for him.” However, he confirmed that Haney's next challenge is a mandatory one, saying, “Sandor Matin is the mandatory contender. He accepted the fight to take place, so he is next in line. We will address that in the proper time.”
Sulaiman implied that Martin likely took step aside money to allow Haney to fight Prograis. Martin defeated Mikey Garcia and lost a narrow decision to Teofimo Lopez in a fight many believed that he won.
Devin Haney Is Considering A Move To Welterweight
'The Dream' Has Unfinished Business At 140
Haney expressed feeling better than ever at his new weight, emphasizing that he didn't experience the usual signs of depletion and weight-drain. Interestingly, he envisions his future at 147 pounds, possibly even as soon as next year.
However, bigger challenges await him at 140, where he currently holds a title, the question lingers about potential unification fights with Lopez after he takes on his mandatory. Lopez, fresh off his own impressive victory with a decisive defeat of Josh Taylor in June, will likely look for a fight with Haney in the future. There is also Ryan Garcia, who is looking for his chance at winning a world title.
