The World Boxing Council (WBC) has named Devin Haney as the WBC light welterweight ‘champion in recess’ and granted the ‘interim’ champion status to Alberto Puello as the full 140-lb world champion. This decision comes as a result of Haney’s recent remarks on social media about taking a break from boxing and his lack of intent to face his WBC mandatory opponent Sandor Martin in future matches.
With Haney assuming the ‘Champion in Recess’ title, he retains the option to challenge for his previous title whenever he chooses. However, Puello, the current WBC light welterweight champion, does not bring substantial revenue potential for a potential bout with Haney. Puello, boasting a 23-0 record with 10 knockouts, is viewed as a strong adversary for Haney, particularly in light of Haney’s recent loss to Ryan Garcia.
The WBC has ordered Puello to defend his championship against mandatory challenger Sandor Martin, following a lackluster purse bid last week. Haney declined the opportunity to face Martin citing financial considerations. Furthermore, the WBC has named Gary Antuanne Russell as the next mandatory challenger for the victor of the Puello vs. Martin bout, despite Russell’s prior defeat to Puello.
Suggestions have emerged endorsing a top-ranked contender in the WBC organization as the new mandatory challenger, such as Jack Catterall, Dalton Smith, or Richardson Hitchins. While Catterall’s interest in confronting the Puello-Martin winner remains uncertain, Smith and Hitchins are inclined to accept the challenge.
