Devin Haney has followed through on the threat to skip facing mandatory challenger Sandor Martin.
Haney – who won the WBC Super-Lightweight belt from Regis Prograis and retained it despite losing to Ryan Garcia because Garcia missed weight – wasn’t pleased with the purse bid for the Martin fight, which Top Rank won by putting up $2,420,000 and being the sole bidder.
Behind the scenes the 25-year-old submitted a request to become Champion in Recess, something he also did when he held all four belts at lightweight and wanted to move up to 140.
The WBC has now released a statement confirming that his request has been approved and explaining Alberto Puello is now full champion.
“WBC Super Lightweight World Champion Devin Haney requested to be placed in the status of Champion in Recess. The WBC Board of Governors unanimously granted Champion Haney’s request and has declared him WBC World Champion in Recess.
Concurrently therewith, the WBC Board of Governors declared current Interim World Champion Alberto Puello as WBC World Super Lightweight Champion.
Pursuant to its Rules and Regulations, the WBC will order the free negotiations period for Champion Puello’s mandatory title defence against WBC #1-rated challenger and mandatory contender Sandor Martin.
Gary Antuanne Russell has petitioned that the WBC Board consider granting him an immediate rematch against now Champion Puello in light of Russell’s very competitive and close split decision loss. After careful review, the WBC has granted an indirect rematch that will allow Russell to fight the winner of the now ordered bout between Champion Puello and Sandor Martin.”
Haney has hinted at a move up to welterweight to face recently elevated champion Mario Barrios. He has also said he may take a year out and rematch Ryan Garcia when he returns from his doping ban.
Should he decide in the near future to return to super-lightweight, this ‘in recess’ status allows him to fight the new champion for the belt.
