In a recent post to X, Davin Haney gave a firm indication that he plans to go after the IBF welterweight title, which currently belongs to Liam Paro.
Recently, Haney was targeted to first defend his WBO title against Keyshawn Davis, but arrangements reportedly fell apart because of a purse dispute.
Haney has multiple options in front of him after securing the welterweight world title last November, but it currently seems most likely he plans to attempt to unify belts at 147-pounds by going after Paro’s IBF strap. Haney’s targeted opponent seems to be on board with things as well. “I’ve said I’m good to fight and we ain’t heard a thing,” Paro said in a recent interview.
Have the WBO.. I want the IBF https://t.co/28knPCXqU3
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) August 11, 2026
This, of course, puts Haney’s potential title defense match, which was being targeted for October against Jack Catterall, in question. Catterall’s team says they have accepted everything on their end, but it seems possible that their fighter could have been used as Haney’s bait to get the Paro match lined up.
“What I hope isn’t the case is that Jack is being used as a decoy,” Jones said. “Paro is scared of taking the fight for less money than he’s wanting.”
“All I can tell you is we’ve accepted the fight and the date and location. So, if the fight doesn’t happen, it’s not on Jack.”