Boxing veteran Devin Haney has vacated his world title after a low purse bid that is leading to a significant change in the boxing world. The WBC scheduled Haney to defend his title against Sandor Martin, a formidable challenger. However, when the bout went up for purse bid last week, Martin’s co-promoter Top Rank was the only bidder with a bid of $2,420,000. Haney’s share would have been $1,524,600, with the possibility of an additional 10 percent bonus of $242,000 if he won.
Haney expressed his dissatisfaction over the low purse bid
Recently, in an interview with Fight Freaks Unite, Haney expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcome of the purse bid. He revealed that he had been earning over $1.5 million per fight in recent years and was unsure about pursuing the fight under the circumstances. Haney held controversy surrounding Ryan Garcia’s alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs responsible for the low bid.
Haney stated that Garcia’s post-fight controversy definitely had a big impact and this situation has affected him both mentally and financially. He has fought four matches in 2019 and won the vacant WBC lightweight title in his fourth fight against Zaur Abdullaev that year. “The Dream” announced that his legal team would take action against Garcia and aim to prove how the situation had adversely affected his career.
Haney opted for the in-recess designation, which will allow him to opt for an immediate WBC title shot upon his return if he wishes. However, there is speculation that Haney could pursue a more profitable fight against a higher-profile opponent.
Dominican Boxer is the current WBC champion
For now, 29-year-old Alberto Puello has emerged as the full WBC titleholder following his win against Gary Antuane Russell. In 2023, Puello was stripped of his WBA title due to testing positive for a banned substance, which led to a suspension. He returned to boxing on June 15 of this year and scored the win against Russell.
Interestingly, Gary Antuane has petitioned the WBC for an immediate rematch against Puello, to which the organization has agreed in an indirect rematch. This will allow him to fight the winner of the upcoming fight between Puello and Sander Martin.
Also Read: Boxing Legend Roy Jones Jr.’s son passes away by suicide
