1. WBC’s Bold Move: Devin Haney Designated ‘Champion In Recess’
In a surprising turn of events, the World Boxing Council (WBC) has designated Devin Haney as their WBC super-lightweight ‘Champion in Recess.’ This decision comes amidst Haney’s recent social media comments hinting at a break from the sport and his apparent disinterest in fighting his WBC mandatory challenger, Sandor Martin.
2. Alberto Puello: The New WBC Light Welterweight Champion
Alberto Puello, who previously held the interim title, has now been crowned the full WBC light welterweight champion. Puello (23-0, 10 KOs), at the age of 29, is in the prime of his career and coming off a significant win over Gary Antuanne Russell.
3. Haney’s Future: A Champion in Recess
With the ‘Champion in Recess’ designation, Haney retains the right to challenge for his former title whenever he decides to return to the ring. However, the likelihood of Haney pursuing a bout against Puello is slim, given that it wouldn’t generate the big-money appeal that Haney usually seeks.
4. Puello’s Impressive Record and Recent Victory
Alberto Puello’s recent twelve-round split decision victory over the previously unbeaten Gary Antuanne Russell on June 15th showcased his prowess. Puello’s combination of power and skill makes him a formidable champion in the 140-lb division, and a tough opponent for anyone, including Haney.
5. Mandatory Defense: Puello vs. Sandor Martin
The WBC has ordered Puello to defend his newly acquired title against Sandor Martin (42-3, 15 KOs), who was Haney’s mandatory challenger. This bout will be Puello’s first title defense and a significant test of his reign as the WBC light welterweight champion.
6. Haney’s Financial Considerations
Had Haney accepted the fight against Sandor Martin, he would have faced a substantial pay cut. The purse bid for the Haney-Martin fight was $2.42 million, significantly less than what Haney earned in his last two high-profile bouts against Ryan Garcia and Regis Prograis on DAZN PPV.
7. The Economic Realities of Boxing
A fight between Haney and Sandor Martin was unlikely to be a pay-per-view (PPV) success, given Martin’s lower profile. Haney, therefore, opted out of a bout that wouldn’t have matched the financial rewards of his previous fights, highlighting the economic realities that often influence fight decisions in boxing.
8. The Controversial Mandatory Challenger
In an unexpected move, the WBC has named Gary Antuanne Russell (18-1, 17 KOs) as the mandatory challenger for the winner of the Puello vs. Martin fight. This decision is controversial, considering Russell’s recent loss to Puello, raising questions about the WBC’s ranking process.
9. Top Contenders Awaiting Their Chance
The WBC’s decision bypasses other top contenders such as Jack Catterall, Dalton Smith, and Richardson Hitchins, who are ranked in the sanctioning body’s top 10. These fighters are eager for a title shot and could potentially provide exciting matchups against Puello or Martin in the future.
10. The Road Ahead for Haney and Puello
As Haney takes a step back, the spotlight turns to Puello, who must now prove himself against Sandor Martin and potentially other top contenders. Haney’s return to the ring remains uncertain, but his status as ‘Champion in Recess’ ensures that his presence will continue to loom large over the 140-lb division.
Editor’s Note:
The WBC’s decision to make Devin Haney ‘Champion in Recess’ while elevating Alberto Puello to full champion status sets the stage for intriguing developments in the super-lightweight division. Haney’s future decisions and Puello’s performance in his title defenses will be closely watched by boxing enthusiasts and analysts alike.
