The WBC has instructed Devin Haney to defend his light welterweight title against mandatory challenger Sandor Martin in the next fight. The Haney vs. Martin bout’s purse bids are scheduled for June 18th.
There are discussions about whether Haney and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, will explore different options, like postponing the match or asking the WBC for an exemption to set up a unification fight with another division champion. The potential fight with Martin poses challenges for Haney, as it might not bring substantial financial benefits and could lead to a defeat.
Sandor Martin is seen as a threat to Haney’s future opportunities, as a loss could impact his earnings and reduce his chances of landing lucrative fights against boxers like Ryan Garcia or Gervonta Davis. Martin’s past performance against Teofimo Lopez, where he knocked him down twice, showcased his abilities as a challenger.
Martin himself is self-assured in his skills and has expressed his goal of becoming a world champion. His win over Mikey Garcia in 2021 underscored his talent and promise in the ring.