Status of the WBC super-lightweight division
The WBC has received several specific requests concerning its super-lightweight division. The WBC Board of Governors consideration of those requests has resulted in its rulings set forth below.
WBC super-lightweight World Champion Devin Haney requested to be placed in the status of Champion in Recess. The WBC Board of Governors unanimously granted Champion Haney’s request and has declared him WBC World Champion in Recess.
Concurrently therewith, the WBC Board of Governors declared current Interim World Champion Alberto Puello as WBC World super-lightweight champion.
Pursuant to its Rules and Regulations, the WBC will order the free negotiations period for Champion Puello’s mandatory title defence against WBC #1 rated challenger and mandatory contender, Sandor Martin.
Gary Antuanne Russell has petitioned that the WBC Board consider granting him an immediate rematch against now Champion Puello in light of Russell’s very competitive and close split decision loss.
After careful review, the WBC has granted an indirect rematch that will allow Russell to fight the winner of the now ordered bout between Champion Puello and Sandor Martin.
The WBC will provide updates concerning the status of the division if and when it receives and reviews additional petitions and it makes any decision.
Despite losing his grudge match with Ryan Garcia last April, Haney retained his WBC super-lightweight belt after ‘KingRy’ came in well over the weight limit and forfeited his right to the title.
President Mauricio Sulaiman praised Haney as an ambassador for the World Boxing Council and shared the history of their long-term relationship, “Devin Haney is one of the dearest fighters I have ever known. Since that day in which Don Majeski brought this 15 year old kid to meet me in Las Vegas we became instant friends even before his professional debut.
“The WBC platform took him under its wing, supporter his several fights as a youngster in Tijuana, conquered the WORLD WBC Youth title, the NABF, International, silver, interim and then WORLD lightweight championship to then become UNDISPUTED.
“WBC set him to directly challenge Regis Prograis in which he conquered the WBC super-lightweight.
“Then came the infamous fight against Ryan GarcÌa . It is from such that Devin has earned my highest esteem and respect. He showed his professionalism, heart of a warrior and determination.
“Devin faced an opponent who did not make weight and had dramatic weight and size advantage at fight time. Devin was knocked down and battered and he fought back like the champion he is only to find days later that Ryan Garcia failed antidoping tests to PEDs .
“Devin Haney is the current WBC super-lightweight champion , is the pride of the WBC and a dear personal friend of my brothers, my nephews and my kids.
“He has always been kind, selfless and giving. We have visited together Children’s hospitals, shelters, schools and gymnasiums with humanitarian and social responsibility events, humbling to the heart and mind.
“We look forward to the continuation of a glorious career inside and outside the ring of my dear Devin Haney.”