Devin Haney vs Sandor Martin will be promoted by Top Rank
On Tuesday, June 18, the WBC held a purse bid to define the rights to organise the mandatory fight in the super lightweight division, between champion Devin Haney (31-1-0, 15KO) and Spanish challenger Sandor Martin (42-3-0, 15KO).
Top Rank was the promotion company that won the rights to carry out the fight with a bid of $2,420,000 USD.
One of the most innovative WBC rules that will be used in this fight, is the 10% bonus for the winner, which is equivalent to $242,000 USD.
Michael Benson reported the news on X: “Top Rank was the lone bidder for Devin Haney’s WBC 140 mandatory defence vs. Sandor Martin at today’s purse bid at $2.42M. 10% goes to WBC to hold as bonus for the winner. Remaining 90% is 70-30 in Haney’s favour. Per TR, plan is to put on fight in early fall.”
25-year-old Devin “The Dream” Haney was defeated for the first time in his nine-year pro career by long-term rival, Ryan Garcia, on April 20.
Garcia came in over the agreed weight limit and managed to knock the champion down three times during the 12-round bout, which ended as a mixed decision win to “KingRy”, but was unable to claim the WBC championship.
Spaniard Sandor Martin is the WBC #1 super-lightweight and has bounced back with two stoppage victories since his split decision defeat to Teofimo Lopez in December 2012.
Despite his protracted 13-year career and being a 45-fight veteran, the Barcelona boxer is still only 30-years-old.
The Spanish southpaw will be the underdog in this title challenge, but question marks will be raised as to how Haney will react after taking a loss. However, a comeback fight against Martin, who does not carry a great deal of power, could be the perfect way to rebuild.
Devin Haney vs Sandor Martin is expected to take place from September onwards.