Devin Haney wants to become a two-time undisputed champion, but his first reign at lightweight still leaves fans arguing over how much credit he deserves. A run through the welterweight champions would give him a chance to change that conversation.
“Quality over quantity.. 2X undisputed is on the agenda InshaAllah,” Haney wrote on X.
The WBO welterweight champion is expected to face IBF titleholder Liam Paro on December 19 at Chase Center in San Francisco, according to Mike Coppinger of The Ring. Haney’s post did not name Paro or confirm the date and venue.
Beating Paro would put two belts in Haney’s hands. What happens afterward will determine whether his second undisputed pursuit becomes a stronger achievement than his first.
Haney’s lightweight reign began with a gift from the WBC. In 2019, the sanctioning body elevated him from interim champion after designating Vasiliy Lomachenko its franchise champion. Haney didn’t beat Lomachenko for the full WBC title, and the “email champion” label stuck.
Haney defended that belt and eventually became undisputed by beating George Kambosos Jr. in 2022. He deserves credit for traveling to Australia and clearly defeating the champion, who had upset Teofimo Lopez to collect three titles.
But Kambosos gave Haney a shortcut to the other three belts. Instead of having to beat three separate titleholders, he collected the WBA, IBF, and WBO championships in one fight against a single opponent. That was a product of how the division’s belts were arranged, but it also shaped the level of difficulty Haney faced.
His most demanding lightweight defense came against Lomachenko in 2023. Haney won a unanimous decision, but plenty of fans and observers believed Lomachenko deserved it. Haney left with the belts and an official victory, while the argument over who won continued.
Paro is a legitimate champion, and beating him would be a meaningful start. But two belts won’t make Haney undisputed. He would still need the WBA and WBC titles, and those fights would have to be negotiated and won.
That’s where Haney’s “quality over quantity” claim will be tested. An undisputed campaign can stall if champions fight once a year or spend months negotiating. Haney will need quality opponents and enough activity to bring the belts together.
His lightweight reign is on the record. At welterweight, he has an opportunity to leave less room for debate: beat Paro, face the other champions, and win the remaining titles in the ring.
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