The World Boxing Council (WBC) has converted Devin Haney into ‘champion in recess’, essentially stripping him of the super lightweight world title. This measure is typically taken when a champion fails to defend their title for an extended period, but Haney’s situation differs.
Haney has been ordered to defend his belt against Spanish boxer Sandor MartÃn, with Top Rank winning the rights to promote the fight after an auction. Haney expressed disappointment on social media, stating that he took a year off and then returned to fight Ryan GarcÃa. He may choose to continue at super lightweight or move up in weight class.
The WBC, however, has officially reported: “Devin Haney, has requested to be placed in Recessed Champion status.” In response, the WBC has elevated its interim champion, Alberto Puello (23-0-0, 10 KOs), a 29-year-old Dominican boxer, to the rank of world champion.
Puello won the interim title just nine days prior, defeating Gary Antuanne Russell. The WBC has now decreed that Puello will face Sandor MartÃn for the world title, with the winner mandated to defend against Gary Russell. If the fighters fail to come to an agreement, there will be an auction for the promotion. Sandor has indicated that he would attempt to bring the fight to Spain if Puello wins, making this a highly anticipated clash.