BY BOXING HIT STAFF-
In a recent interview, promoter Eddie Hearn discussed the possibility of Devin Haney facing IBF light welterweight champion Liam Paro in a potential unification match on December 7th. Hearn suggested that Haney, being the WBC ‘Champion in Recess’ at 140, could consider this fight as a unification bout, even though he wouldn’t hold the full belt. This raises the question of whether the Champion in Recess position can be considered a legitimate title for unification fights.
One crucial point raised by Hearn is that if the fight between Haney and Paro is indeed deemed a unification match, then Haney would be exempt from the IBF’s strict 10-lb rehydration rule. This rule prohibits fighters from gaining more than 10 pounds overnight after the official weigh-in. By bypassing this rule, Haney would have the advantage of rehydrating fully and potentially coming in well above the IBF limits, possibly in the 160s.
While the idea of using the Champion in Recess status for a unification fight may seem advantageous for Haney, it could be viewed as sneaky or controversial. The WBC originally introduced this designation to allow ex-champions to challenge for their old titles without having to work their way back up the rankings. However, it was not intended to help fighters evade rehydration rules or gain an unfair advantage in unification bouts.
Looking at the potential matchup between Haney and Paro, it’s clear that Paro poses a significant challenge for the former. Paro, with a flawless record of 25-0 and 15 KOs, has been on a winning streak and is known for his movement and striking power. Chris Algieri, a former world champion, acknowledges Paro as a worthy opponent for Haney, especially considering Haney’s recent loss to Ryan Garcia.
Algieri believes that facing Paro would not be an easy comeback fight for Haney, especially after a setback in his career. However, he also highlights that to earn big paydays and secure another world title shot, fighters like Haney need to challenge themselves against top contenders like Paro. While the fight may be a tough one for Haney, it presents an opportunity for redemption and a chance to prove himself in the ring once again.
The prospect of Devin Haney facing Liam Paro in a potential unification match raises intriguing questions about the legitimacy of the Champion in Recess status and the implications of bypassing rehydration rules for competitive advantage. With both fighters displaying skill and determination, this matchup promises to be an intense and significant event in the world of boxing.
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