Organizer Eddie Hearn said Devin Haney will defend his WBC 140-lb title next against mandatory challenger Sandor Martin.
Compulsory = Miserable
Hearn admitted Martin (42-3, 15 KOs) could be a problem for Haney, who seems more interested in a paycheck than a “tough” opponent. Haney was cornered. He had an overdue bond, no monetary potential but high risk of humiliation.
Will Haney do the right thing by defending Sandor to retain his WBC title, or will he and his father, Bill, start campaigning for a rematch date with Ryan Garcia? We already know the answer to that.
Today Haney posted on social media: “I really want to get back” with Ryan. He didn't even think about his mandatory commitment. Haney wanted Ryan's money, and I couldn't blame him. He did not mention his compulsion.
Ryan Garcia: Haney's accidental savior
“He is still world champion. It was a blessing for Ryan to lose the weight,” promoter Eddie Hearn told Fight Hub TVimplying that Haney was not stripped of his light heavyweight title by the WBC despite losing to Garcia.
Haney should send Ryan a thank you note and a fruit basket because the only reason he's still champ is because he lost weight. That's the only reason Devin is still hanging on to his title.
Someone needs to tell Hearn that Haney is dreaming of a rematch with Ryan Garcia, bringing up the idea of a “deal” weight.
Haney didn't mention wanting to fight Sandor Martin, which makes sense. The fight with Martin makes no sense, and that seems to be the main thing Devin and his dad Bill Haney are focusing on.
“So he will have to defend that title against Sandor Martin,” Hearn said. “I actually think it's a good fight now. I think in the past if he had handled Ryan Garcia easily, maybe people would have said Sandor Martin wasn't the fight. But now it is an uphill battle.
“He beat Mikey Garcia and arguably beat Teofimo. Devin will want to defend his title,” Hearn said.
The question is, will Haney show the world he is the legitimate champion by facing Sandor Martin, or will he chase more sweet money in a rematch with Ryan?
