Devin Haney steps down to become the wbc junior welterweight champion in the interim

Written by: Sean Crose

“WBC Super Lightweight world champion Devin Haney has requested to be placed in the position of Champion in Recess,” announced the World Boxing Council on Monday in a press release. “The WBC Board of Governors has unanimously approved Champion Haney's request and declared him the WBC World Champion in Recess.” Therefore, Haney, who is coming off a loss to Ryan Garcia, is out of the WBC junior welterweight belt.

“Just like that,” continued the WBC, “the WBC Board of Directors announced current World Champion Alberto Puello as the WBC World Super Lightweight Champion… against WBC #1 rated contender and mandatory challenger Sandor Martin.” “

Haney's reign as WBC junior welterweight champion was very short. After winning the undisputed lightweight world title by defeating the great Vasyl Lomachenko in a close fight, Haney moved up to junior welterweight and fought Regis Prograis for Prograis' WBC belt. It was a highly-anticipated fight, but when all was said and done, it was Haney who completely dominated — in his hometown of San Francisco, at least. However, then came last April's fight against Garcia.

Although he finished the fight on his feet, Haney was hit hard by Garcia, getting knocked out three times in three separate rounds en route to a decision loss. It was all very strange, as Garcia came to the fight due to a scheduled weigh-in while claiming to drink before the match. Still, there was no denying that Garcia ruled his man fair and square. Until, that is, it was discovered that Garcia tested positive for the banned substance ostarine in tests taken before and after the fight with Haney.

As a result of the positive drug test results, Garcia was stripped of his victory over Haney by the New York State Athletic Commission. Nevertheless, although it is at least somewhat confirmed, there is no doubt that Haney was hurt by Garcia's performance during their fight (how everything would have turned out if Garcia did not have a banned drug in his system is simply an unanswered question).

Another question is what will happen to Haney from here? There is no doubt that he is talented, but – or not – he was abused by Garcia. Such things can have a physical and emotional impact. Then again, fighters are a rare breed. Haney, if he does make a strong comeback, certainly wouldn't be the first boxer to make a dramatic transition.

Photos: WBC