WBC Accepts Haney’s Move Up To 140, A Regis Prograis Fight Likely By November

The WBC has permitted Devin Haney’s wish to move up 140 lbs to face Regis Prograis for the WBC belt but has stripped him of his 135 WBC belt.

The news was in response to Haney’s request to keep the WBC lightweight belt and fight Prograis simultaneously.

However, that would have delayed Shakur Stevenson’s mandatory position for the WBC belt. As a result, Haney will become a ‘champion in recess.’

WBC Approves Haney To Challenge Prograis; Now Named 'Champion In Recess' at 135 https://t.co/E2L5ElUikx pic.twitter.com/Hfk2Jlj6G3

— BoxingScene.com (@boxingscene) August 2, 2023

“WBC Lightweight Champion Devin Haney petitioned to fight WBC Super Lightweight champion Regis Prograis.

“Champion Haney wished to remain as WBC World Lightweight Champion until after his fight with Champion Prograis takes place, at which point he would decide in what division he would remain,” WBC statement 

The decision will allow Haney to move back down to 135 and use his status as a ‘champion in recess’ to fight the current holder of the belt.

As of now, Shakur Stevenson will be made to face the highest-ranked opponent for the belt, which is Vasiliy Lomachenko. 

Although Haney still retains the other belts at lightweight for now, it is unlikely that the ‘Dream’ would return unless it is for a mega fight with Gervonta Davis. 

As such, Eddie Hearn has confirmed that a bout between Prograis and Haney is close to being agreed for October/November. 

“Talks between the two parties have been extremely positive. We are looking to close the fight out this week. We are finalising contracts with both fighters.

“[The] bout [is] expected to take place end of October, early November. Multiple venues, locations [are] still being considered and hopeful to be able to be in a position to announce as early as next week,” Hearn