A looming purse bid has been scheduled for June 18th to decide WBC light welterweight champion Devin Haney’s mandatory title defense against Sandor Martin. Haney (31-1, 15 KOs) faces the pressure of fulfilling this defense promptly as it is already overdue, while Martin (43-3, 15 KOs) eagerly awaits his shot at the title.
Recent Loss and Title Retention
Following Haney’s loss to Ryan Garcia in his last fight on April 20th, the WBC permitted him to retain his title due to Garcia’s failure to make weight by 3.2 lbs. Despite promoter Eddie Hearn’s assurances of Haney facing Martin next, the champion and his father, Bill Haney, have not confirmed their willingness to proceed with this mandatory defense.
Opting for a unification bout may be more appealing to Haney, considering the greater significance and popularity such a fight would hold compared to defending his title against the relatively unknown Martin in the U.S. However, a showdown with Martin might prove detrimental to Haney’s future negotiations, particularly if the match fails to garner significant pay-per-view numbers.
In light of his recent defeat against Garcia and his considerable size for the 140-lb division, Haney finds himself at a crossroads. Vacating the WBC title could offer him the opportunity to move up to the 147-lb division, where making weight may be less challenging. However, this move would also mean confronting larger opponents, potentially diminishing his size advantage and altering the course of his career.
Despite suffering a controversial split decision loss to Teofimo Lopez in 2022, Martin has since bounced back with victories over Mohamed El Marcouchi and Arblin Kaba. Eager to secure a title shot, Martin remains a formidable contender in the light welterweight division, poised to test Haney’s resolve should the fight come to fruition.
Devin Haney’s upcoming decision regarding his WBC title defense against Sandor Martin presents a critical juncture in his career. While the allure of a unification bout may seem enticing, the potential risks associated with a less lucrative matchup against Martin could have lasting implications for Haney’s future in the boxing world. As the purse bid approaches and speculation mounts, all eyes are on Haney and the pivotal choice he must make to shape his legacy in the sport.