Devin Haney has made a formal request to the WBC to allow him to move up to the 140-pound division for a highly anticipated showdown against the super lightweight superstar, Regis Prograis. Despite moving up in weight, Haney also intends to retain his lightweight belts.
Shakur Stevenson, a former two-division world champion, has consistently expressed his desire to challenge Haney for the 135-pound world title. However, he has recently expressed his discontent with the entire situation concerning Haney and the WBC.
Devin Haney asked WBC to hold his lightweight belt while he move up to fight Regis Prograis
About a month ago, Haney expressed his interest in fighting Regis after their initial interaction. Regis had an impressive win against Danielito Zorrilla in front of his hometown crowd at the Smoothie King Centre in New Orleans.
🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨
Devin Haney has informed the WBC that he is pursuing a fight with Regis Prograis at 140lbs however he has petitioned to the WBC to retain his 135lbs title despite the move up in weight.
Do you think he should be allowed to? 🤔#DevinHaney | #BoxingNews pic.twitter.com/MtSQK1KweZ
— IFL TV (@IFLTV) July 28, 2023
During a FaceTime conversation, Regis threatened Haney, and they exchanged fiery words. The WBC super lightweight champion warned ‘Dream’ by saying, “I’m going to tell you in front of your dad. I’m going to whip your a**.”
Regis, with a pro record of 29-1-0, is considered one of the finest active super lightweight boxers globally. On June 17, Saturday, Regis successfully defended his WBC Super Lightweight Championship against Zorrilla. The referees scored the bout 118-109, 117-110, and 114-113 in favor of Prograis, granting him his 29th victory as a professional boxer.
Gang, #DevinHaney will move up in weight to make #RegisPrograis his next target. Thoughts? #411Uncut #411WithNellaD pic.twitter.com/FL8Qs7Vrmd
— 411 Uncut (@411Uncut_) July 29, 2023
Shakur Stevenson responds to Devin Haney’s WBC request
Haney’s decision to move up to the super lightweight division to face Regis, while also requesting the WBC to hold his lightweight belts came as a surprise for former two-division champ Shakur Stevenson.
“I respect the WBC and Mauricio but come on now y’all can’t allow him not to fight me move up in weight and hold the belts. That don’t even make sense!” he said.
Shakur Stevenson reacts to Devin Haney requesting that the WBC keep him as 135lbs champ even though he intends to move up to 140lbs 💭#DevinHaney | #ShakurStevenson pic.twitter.com/9zAVY8THvD
— IFL TV (@IFLTV) July 28, 2023
In response to this, Josh Dubin, co-manager of Shakur Stevenson, has taken official action by writing a letter to the WBC (World Boxing Council). The letter urges the WBC to mandate a fight between Stevenson and Devin Haney and recognize Stevenson as the mandatory challenger for Haney’s title.
What is your take on the whole Devin Haney situation? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
