Devin Haney and Jack Catterall are reportedly in advanced negotiations for a WBO welterweight title fight on October 3.
The matchup has gained momentum after Haney’s talks with IBF champion Liam Paro reportedly broke down over financial demands. Catterall has now emerged as the leading option for Haney’s next defence.
Catterall earned his place among the top welterweights by defeating Shakhram Giyasov by unanimous decision on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza. He dropped Giyasov in the opening round and won clearly on all three scorecards to claim the WBA Regular title.
That victory had already put Catterall on course to face primary WBA champion Rolando Romero, with the sanctioning body ordering that fight within 180 days. Accepting a Haney fight on October 3 would therefore take the British southpaw in a different direction before that mandatory window expires.
Although both Haney and Catterall currently hold belts, the fight would not be a true unification. Haney owns the WBO title, Romero holds the primary WBA championship, while Catterall possesses the secondary WBA version.
Catterall has wanted a fight with Haney for years, dating back to their time at junior welterweight. Moving up to 147 pounds and winning a title has finally placed him in position to secure the matchup.
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