Devin Haney’s Arrest, Lopez’s Outburst And Much More

Devin Haney had quite a torrid time of late, despite riding the wave of being the undisputed lightweight champion. 

Haney is at a crossroads when it comes to his career. Despite having achieved everything at lightweight, the American has a major decision to make moving forward.

He could either stay at 135 lbs and have two mega fights with Shakur Stevenson and Gervonta Davis.

Meanwhile, the alternative would be to move up to 140 lbs where he could challenge for a title. Regardless of what the case may be, Haney has not had an easy time doing that.

He had initially requested the WBO to give him a 24-hour extension so that he could decide if he would want to fight for Teofimo Lopez’s junior welterweight belt.

After all, the ‘Takeover’ had at one point stated that he had retired, thus making it likely that the belt would be vacated.

Although that may have been the case, Lopez has since then confirmed that he will not vacate. And yet, Haney’s initial request by the WBO was shut down. 

“I refer to your email communication dated Tuesday, July 11, 2023, in response to our “Resolution” pertaining to the provisions concerning Team Haney and whether he will move up to the Jr. Welterweight Division to face Arnold Barboza, Jr.

“Team Haney is requesting that the 24-hour period given be triggered after the decision is made by Teofimo Lopez regarding his WBO Jr. Welterweight Championship.

“Wherefore, having considered the arguments provided by Team Haney, this Committee is denying the request and consequently, enforcing the conditions set forth by this Committee in its Resolution,” WBO Championship Committee chairman Luis Batista-Salas

Lopez Fires Shots

In response, Lopez has come out to put Haney on notice. The junior welterweight champion made it clear that he was targeting Haney next by demanding that they make the fight happen.

‼️ Teofimo Lopez has now made a U-turn on his retirement from boxing, decided not to vacate his WBO super-lightweight world title and called out Devin Haney to fight him next. Haney has instantly replied: “Let’s do it.” pic.twitter.com/VU7UUhgyXO

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) July 13, 2023

This was a surprise given that Lopez had confirmed he would not fight again following his win over Josh Taylor unless he was given a nine-figure payday.

With that being said, those hurdles may have been resolved, as both fighters traded shots at each other. 

“Yo Devin Haney. Since you were so quick to jump in the mix for my WBO championship belt, let’s make the fight happen so the world can see who is about that action.

“[And] no, you will not be on the A-side. I hold the king title of the division as well! So don’t run away! B**h.

“Came out of retirement (I guess) because the next move was for Devin Haney to fight sorry ass Arnold Barboza for my WBO championship title at 140lbs. F— that. I’m tired of helping this kid be something that he is not. And that’s a real champion,” Lopez

 

“Yo h** a**never retired in the first place. Let’s see if you really want the smoke. I’m gonna be 140 champ regardless. You asked for 20 million last time my pops talked to you,” Haney 

And yet, there are still some hurdles that will need to be overcome. It appears that money could be an issue, as Lopez rebuffed suggestions that he had requested 20 million. 

“What? 20 M’s? I didn’t even stat out the location of our fight let alone put a price on the fight. What you talking about man?

“Start losing weight and we’ll figure out the rest so we can give the fight fans a DREAM that will TAKEOVER the sport of BOXING,” Lopez said

Lopez’s Demands

Although that would be a significant increase on what the ‘Takeover’ had been paid for his last fight, which was alleged to have been a million, Lopez’s achievements do speak for themselves. He is a two-division and two-time lineal champion.

Not only that, but Lopez’s resume is up there with the very best of them. The star arguably beat Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor in their prime and at a time where it was not expected.

Although that may be the case, Lopez’s star power when it comes to ticket sales is questionable. Even with the champion’s fight against Taylor, which was in his hometown, Lopez could not sell the venue out. 

Haney’s Arrest

But before Lopez or Haney can even think about that, the latter had to overcome some trouble with the authorities.

According to TMZ, Haney was arrested on July 13th, 2023, for firearm possession. The previous night, Haney was alleged to have been at Catch L.A in Hollywood, California. 

Thereafter, it is claimed he was stopped by the authorities for not signalling and changing lanes safely.

Although Haney was not driving, a search was conducted, revealing a semi-automatic handgun, in a car that belonged to him. Haney was released on bail of $35,000 at 8:12 am on the same day and is expected to appear in court in August.

So the question remaining is will Lopez and Haney fight? Time will tell. You can stay up-to-date with the latest happenings in the world of boxing by visiting boxingblitz right here.