Devin Haney will challenge Regis Prograis for the WBC super lightweight title on December 9 in San Francisco, it has been confirmed.
The agreement comes weeks after Haney informed the World Boxing Council of his desire to add to his legacy.
“The Dream” aims to prove he can mix it at the higher weight after being given an ultimatum by the WBC over his decision. However, the stipulation given to Haney was delayed by a week before the fighter could secure a resolution.
Shakur Stevenson hoped to fight for the vacant title once Haney became the number one contender. That deal never got off the ground.
“The World Boxing Council received several communications, including requests [from Haney and Stevenson] concerning its lightweight and super lightweight divisions,” they said.
“The WBC Board of Governors has carefully considered those requests and has arrived at the ruling set forth herein.
Devin Haney vs Regis Prograis
“WBC lightweight champion Devin Haney petitioned to fight WBC super lightweight champion Regis Prograis. Champion Haney wished to remain as WBC lightweight champion until after his fight with champion Prograis.
“At which point, he would decide in what division he would remain. The WBC mandatory challenger in the lightweight division is Shakur Stevenson.”
The statement added: “The WBC Board of Governors voted in favor of [1] granting Champion Haney’s petition to fight Champion Prograis for the WBC super lightweight title.
“[2]. placing Champion Haney as champion-in-recess in the lightweight division. [3] Ordering a bout between lightweight mandatory challenger Shakur Stevenson and the highest available contender in that division.
“[4] After fighting champion Prograis, allowing champion Haney to choose between remaining at 135 or 140 pounds on a timetable that the WBC would order.
“Finally, [5] if Champion Haney decides to return to the lightweight division within that timetable, the WBC would order the fight between champion Haney and the then world champion [at lightweight]. This would occur on a 50-50 basis under the provisions that the WBC rules and regulations may provide for those situations.”
Stevenson
In a nutshell, Haney faces Prograis as Stevenson still looks to tie down his next opponent. A fight with Frank Martin seems to have collapsed.
Fans are still hoping he’ll face Vasiliy Lomachenko.
“With [the] dude [Haney] moving up, the fight that makes the most sense is me vs Loma. Since everybody says I talk a lot, and I’m a hype job and overrated,” said Stevenson.
Stevenson vs Loma and Haney vs Prograis are examples of the 2023 trend for the best in boxing to face each other.
Phil Jay is an experienced boxing news writer.
