Due to Devin Haney’s decision to move up to a higher weight class and his subsequent “champion in recess” status, the potential match against Shakur Stevenson has been postponed. However, the WBC has now ordered a title bout between Shakur Stevenson and Frank Martin.
Stevenson, who had consistently expressed his interest in challenging Haney for the 135-pound world title, is now going to fight Frank while Haney goes on to the 140-pound division for a new challenge.
WBC orders Shakur Stevenson vs Frank Martin
Shakur was surprised by Haney’s decision to move up to the super lightweight division and face Regis Prograis while still holding onto his lightweight belts. The former two-weight class world champion found it perplexing that the WBC allowed Haney to sidestep a match against him, move up in weight, and retain his titles.
The WBC has ordered two-division champion @ShakurStevenson and undefeated lightweight Frank Martin to fight for their vacant 135-pound title, @MarkKriegel reports.
If the two sides can’t reach an agreement a purse bid is scheduled for Sept. 5. pic.twitter.com/bCngoRtkTt
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) August 27, 2023
In response, the WBC has apparently found a solution to provide Shakur with an opportunity to compete for the vacant title. To achieve this, Stevenson is scheduled to fight “The Ghost” in his upcoming bout.
Martin, who maintains an undefeated record in professional boxing, is coming off a victory against Artem Harutyunyan. Born in Michigan, Frank entered the professional scene in 2017 and has participated in 18 fights winning all of them with 12 victories coming via knockout.
Although @ShakurStevenson can’t announce his next opponent just yet while negotiations are still underway. His reaction is telling…
Expect Shakur Stevenson vs. Frank Martin this November, which will continue the trend of top level fighters getting active in the ring. pic.twitter.com/ZuHHezGjJc— Mr. Gladden (@808daywalking) August 25, 2023
Devin Haney receives “champion in recess” status
Many boxing enthusiasts had expected ‘Dream’ to face either Shakur or Gervonta Davis in his next bout. However, Haney’s team encountered difficulties in finalizing negotiations with either opponent.
As the deadline drew near, “Dream” chose to move up to a higher weight class and challenge Regis Prograis. Haney officially sought permission from the WBC to compete in the 140-pound division while still holding onto his lightweight belts.
Yesterday, the WBC granted Haney the status of “champion in recess” in the 135-pound weight category. This development has set the stage for a super lightweight fight between Haney and Prograis. They will fight for the WBC super lightweight title on October 28 in Las Vegas.
WBC President, Mauricio Sulaimán has confirmed negotiations for a WBC lightweight title bout between @ShakurStevenson and Frank Martin are underway after Vasiliy Lomachenko and Isaac Cruz both declined an offer to fight Shakur for the vacant belt. #CatchtheGhost pic.twitter.com/syrZ8PhFxp
— Mr. Gladden (@808daywalking) August 25, 2023
What is your take on the Frank Martin vs. Shakur Stevenson matchup? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
