Devin Haney Steps Aside as WBC Champion, Puello and Martin to Fight for Vacant Title

Devin Haney (31-0) has been moved to “champion in recess” by the World Boxing Council (WBC) after informing the organization that he is “physically, mentally and emotionally” unfit to immediately defend his 140-pound title.

WBC Orders Puello vs. Martin for Vacant Title

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman revealed that the governing body has ordered a bout between former world champion Alberto Puello (23-0, 10 KOs) and Spain’s Sandor Martin (42-3, 15 KOs) to determine the new junior-welterweight champion.

“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,” Sulaiman said, expressing his full support for Haney’s decision.

The move comes after Haney’s April 20 majority decision loss to a three-pounds overweight Ryan Garcia, which was later changed to a no-contest by the New York State Athletic Commission.

“What happened to (Haney) in New York is one of the greatest injustices I’ve seen in boxing,” Sulaiman said, praising Haney’s warrior-like performance despite being knocked down three times.

Haney to Pursue Welterweight Opportunities

With Haney stepping aside, the WBC mandatory 140-pound challenger Martin will now face Puello, who claimed the interim title in June 2022, for the vacant championship. The WBC has also ruled that the winner of the Puello-Martin bout will then have to defend against the recently unbeaten Gary Antuanne Russell.

Additionally, it is believed that Haney, as a “champion in recess,” may have an advantage if he decides to move up to the welterweight division, where Texas’ Mario Barrios was recently elevated to full champion.

🔗 Source