Haney Pursues Paro Unification After Stevenson Talks Fail

Devin Haney will face Liam Paro in a two-belt welterweight unification fight on December 19 at San Francisco's Chase Center, according to sources who spoke with ESPN's Mike Coppinger.

The bout marks Haney's first under his new DAZN deal and pits the WBO champion against Paro's IBF strap. Haney, 27, last fought in October 2025 when he outpointed Brian Norman to claim the WBO title. He spent the interim year in negotiations with several top fighters that never materialized, most recently a proposed matchup against Shakur Stevenson that fell apart.

Paro Enters As Underdog Against Haney

Paro captured the IBF belt in June with a decision over Lewis Crocker but will be a significant underdog when he meets Haney. The 30-year-old Australian faces a fighter hunting his next piece of hardware on the road to undisputed status at 147 pounds.

The Chase Center bout gives Haney the chance to add a second welterweight belt just over a year into his campaign at the weight. Paro represents his most credible opponent since moving up from lightweight, where Haney previously held all four major titles.

Both camps are reportedly finalizing terms for the December date, with an official announcement expected within days.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — Devin Haney vs Liam Paro unification expected for Dec. 19