Devin Haney has suggested that his failure to secure a showdown with Gervonta Davis played a part in his decision to vacate all four of his lightweight belts.
Haney announced to ESPN’s Mike Coppinger on Wednesday of his intention to relinquish his titles ahead of his move to super lightweight to challenge WBC world champion, Regis Prograis in San Francisco on December 9, live on DAZN pay-per-view.
Davis, who holds the WBA ‘regular’ belt at lightweight is expected to become full champion in the wake of his compatriot’s decision and ‘The Dream’ admits a money-spinning clash with ’Tank’ was the only remaining motivation for him to stay at the weight.
With a bout never seemingly close to materialising, which Haney blames on Davis’ part and having outgrown the division by his own admission, the Las Vegas resident says he has no further business at 135lbs.
“I did everything at 135 that I could,” he told ESPN.
“The biggest fight for me was making that Gervonta Davis fight, and his side showed no interest in making the fight.
“I’ve outgrown the division, so now I make my quest to 140 to become a two-division champion.”
The 25-year-old secured the undisputed crown with victory over George Kambosos Jr and cemented his status with an equally impressive win in a rematch with the Australian.
Haney made a second defence with a contentious decision over Vasiliy Lomachenko in May and opted to jump up a division to face Prograis having explored a potential clash with Shakur Stevenson, who will now become full WBC titlist.
Providing he is victorious against the 34-year-old next Saturday, Haney insists his next goal is to conquer the welterweight division.
“And after this fight, I look to become a three-division champion and move up to 147, God willing that I’m successful in this fight.”
According to ESPN, the IBF belt will likely be contested by Lomachenko and Kambosos Jr who are in talks to clash in April.
Whilst the WBO belt could be fought by #2 ranked contender, Denis Berinchyk and #3 ranked challenger, Isaac Cruz, if #1 rated contender, Lomachenko faces Kambosos Jr.
