Devin Haney has been designated as a "champion in recess" for the WBC belt at 140 pounds following Ryan Garcia's one-year ban from boxing due to a positive test for the banned substance Ostarine.
Previously, Garcia's victory over Haney was overturned, reinstating Haney's undefeated status. Despite this, Haney's brand has taken a hit. He was ordered to face Sandor Martin next, but with no bid from Matchroom and a modest $2.42 million bid from Top Rank, Haney chose to step back from the immediate competition. As a result, Alberto Puello has been elevated to full champion and will fight Martin next, with the winner set to face Gary Antuanne Russell.
Haney has announced a rest from boxing for the remainder of the year, considering whether to continue at 140 pounds or move up to 147. Potential future matchups include Teofimo Lopez (WBO), Liam Paro (IBF), and Isaac Cruz (WBA) for unification opportunities, as well as a possible fight with WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios.
Mauricio Sulaiman, WBC President, voiced strong support for Haney's decision, emphasizing the injustices Haney faced against Garcia, who failed to make weight and tested positive for PEDs. Sulaiman highlighted Haney's resilience, noting that despite being knocked down three times, Haney's performance earned him greater respect.
Haney is also pursuing legal action against Garcia for loss of future earnings, alleging that the bout damaged his commercial value. This legal battle could be challenging since Haney was not a major draw before fighting Garcia, often being the B-side in negotiations despite holding the belt.
All in all, Haney's legal pursuit and year-long break complicate the potential for a rematch, with numerous obstacles likely to emerge in negotiations.
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