Promoter Eddie Hearn recently discussed the possibility of Devin Haney facing IBF light welterweight champion Liam Paro in what he considers to be a potential unification match on December 7th. The catch, however, is that Haney currently holds the title of WBC ‘Champion in Recess’ at 140, raising questions about the legitimacy of this unification claim.
Hearn’s argument for labeling the fight as a unification match hinges on Haney’s status as the WBC ‘Champion in Recess’, which would supposedly exempt him from the IBF’s 10-lb rehydration rule. This rule restricts fighters from gaining more than 10 pounds overnight after the official weigh-in. By bypassing this rule, Haney would have the advantage of rehydrating fully before the fight, potentially coming in well above the IBF limits at 160 pounds.
The debate surrounding Haney’s ‘Champion in Recess’ status raises concerns about whether this designation truly constitutes a legitimate title that can be used for unification matches. The WBC’s Champion in Recess tag was originally intended to allow ex-champions to challenge for their old titles without waiting in line. However, using this status to evade rules or gain advantages in unification bouts could be seen as controversial and sneaky.
With discussions heating up about the potential Haney vs. Paro fight, boxing experts like Chris Algieri have weighed in on the matchup. Algieri acknowledges Paro’s recent winning streak, impressive movement, and decent punching power, making him a formidable opponent for Haney. Despite being undefeated and riding high on momentum, Paro’s skills and determination pose a significant challenge for Haney as he seeks to bounce back from a loss to Ryan Garcia in his career.
While the fight against Paro presents a tough challenge for Haney, Algieri views it as an opportunity for Haney to prove himself against a top-ranked fighter and potentially compete for another world title. The allure of big paydays and the chance to face elite opponents like Paro are driving forces behind Haney’s decision to pursue this matchup, although the road to victory will undoubtedly be arduous coming off a career setback.
The potential unification match between Devin Haney and Liam Paro raises intriguing questions about the use of Haney’s Champion in Recess status and the implications of bypassing the IBF’s rehydration rule. As the boxing world waits to see how this situation unfolds, Haney faces a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to showcase his skills and determination in the ring against a formidable opponent like Paro.