Haney Becomes A WBC Champion In Recess – ‘He’s Always Ducking’
Devin Haney has been made a ‘champion in recess’ for the WBC belt at 140 following Ryan Garcia’s ban from boxing.
Garcia received a one-year ban after testing positive for Ostarine. The result meant Garcia’s win over Haney was declared a no-contest, making Haney undefeated with a 31-0 record. But Haney’s brand has suffered. He was ordered to face Sandor Martin next, who is his WBC mandatory at 140. Matchroom did not make any purse bid, while Top Rank only participated to win a $2.42 million bid.
Haney was made a ‘Champion in Recess’ as Alberto Puello became the full champion. He will box Martin next with the winner, who will then be ordered to face Gary Antuanne Russell. Haney said he would take the rest of the year out of boxing. This allows him to decide whether he wishes to purse fights at 140 or move up to 147. Fights with Teofimo Lopez (WBO Belt), Liam Paro (IBF) and Isaac Cruz (WBA) offer him the chance at unification. Meanwhile, Haney has been linked with fighting WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios.
Haney’s Belt
“Devin Haney’s team petitioned the WBC to be replaced as champion as he takes all the time he needs to recover … he’s not ready to fight. I absolutely support Devin Haney and agree with his reasons why. What happened to (Haney) in New York is one of the greatest injustices I’ve seen in boxing. Meeting a fighter who did not make weight, who played mind games and had performance-enhancing drugs in his system, Haney still fought like a warrior.
“He got knocked down three times, and while many others would’ve stayed on the canvas, he got up every time. I respect Devin Haney after that fight more than ever and will fully support any decision he makes. Every case is treated according to the given situation … It all depends (on Haney). I don’t want to jump on something that’s a hypothetical and say something that is inappropriate,” Mauricio Sulaiman said
But by taking a year off, it is vital that Haney generates an income. It seems he is suing Garcia for loss of future earnings. Haney alleged that the fight damaged his commercial value. That will be difficult to argue since Haney did not receive mega paydays before fighting Garcia. He was the B-side in negotiations despite having the belt.
Haney’s Response
A large part of the draw in the fight was Garcia due to his crossover appeal. His fight with Gervonta Davis also showed that it sold over $1.2 million in PPVs. It also creates the narrative that Haney is struggling to deal with the loss, as it risks making the saga continue. It also makes a rematch even more difficult, as the negotiations will have several obstacles. Haney will demand a bigger say, arguing that Garcia had PEDs in his system. Regardless, Haney has taken steps to finish it.
“My lawyers and team will, you know, do what they’ve got to do. To prove that [I was effected] in court against Ryan Garcia. We will take legal action to, you know, because it has affected me. Not only my financials but mentally and everything,” stated
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