November 7 likely date for WBC Lightweight king – Eddie Hearn says Gary Russell Jr and Yuriorkis Gamboa are both targets for the return of WBC World Lightweight champion Devin Haney in November, live on DAZN.
Haney (24-0 15 KOs) is raring to return to the ring and defend his crown for the second time after he was forced into surgery when injuring his shoulder in his first defense against Alfredo Santiago in Los Angeles in November.
The 21 year old has fully recovered and November 7 is the date promoter Hearn has earmarked for ‘The Dream’ to display his talents for the first time in 2020, with Russell Jnr and Gamboa the two men vying to take on the Las Vegas star.
Haney and long reigning WBC World Featherweight champion Russell Jnr (31-1 18 KOs) have become embroiled in a war of words on social media over the potential clash, while Gamboa (30-3 18 KOs) is aiming for a third shot at becoming a two-weight World champion – and Hearn expects to name Haney’s foe next week.
“Devin has been doing a great job in keeping his profile active during lockdown but now it’s almost time for get busy in the ring,” said Hearn. “November 7 is the targeted date for his return and the two main targets are Gary Russell Jr and Yuriorkis Gamboa. Both are great fights for Devin as he approaches a key stretch in his career to become standout star.
“Devin is ready to defend his WBC titles against all comers and I can’t wait to see him back in the ring in November.”
Eric Puente in action against Luis Norambuena on Saturday Night in Las Vegas
Tomorrow night at the MGM Conference Center in Las Vegas, Split-T Management’s undefeated lightweight Eric Puente will take on his most experienced foe to date when takes on Luis Norambuena in a four-round bout.
Puente (3-0) will be making his 2nd start of 2020, as he is coming off a decision win over Diego Elizondo on July 7th at the MGM Grand.
Puente, 21, of Vista, California was a 2016 National Youth Open Champion, and was a member of Team USA. Puente was a favorite to be a member of the 2020 United States Olympic Team.
Despite having a record that reads 4-5-1, Norambuena of Chile has wins over three undefeated fighters, and Puente will be 9th undefeated foe in the 11 fight career for the 28 year-old.
At Friday’s weigh-in, Puente was 137.7 lbs. Norambuena was 135.6
The bout can be seen live on ESPN+ beginning at 7:30 P.M ET / 4:30 P.M. PT.