Manny Pacquiao’s plan to battle Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title this fall, completely revealed by WBN first, is in peril following curiosity from Devin Haney.
The Filipino boxing legend had wished to problem Barrios for his newly minted WBC championship [WBC made Terence Crawford Champion in Recess] on the age of 45. Nonetheless, these intentions face competitors from Haney, the present WBC super-lightweight ruler.
Haney additionally needs to problem Barrios for his inexperienced and gold belt after a handbag bid to defend his 140-pound belt fell flat. World Boxing Information understands that Haney would have favor with the WBC because of the champion shifting as much as face one other champion rule. There’s additionally the truth that the World Boxing Council doesn’t rank Pacquiao to think about, in addition to his defeat to Yordenis Ugas final outing.
Pacquiao hoped for a Nevada swansong to log off the game in glory after dropping to late substitute Ugas in 2021, however that three-year hole might now turn into a hindrance. Ought to Haney push WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman for the primary alternative at Barrios, he would probably gazump Pacquiao’s weeks of groundwork.
Barrios additionally has a number-one contender in WBC silver champion Souleymane Cissokho, who may very well be ordered for his shot within the coming months, leaving the WBC with a welterweight headache.
At this level, Barrios would undoubtedly need Pacquiao or Haney for a large conflict on the planet’s battle capital between October and December this yr. A primary protection of the total belt would comply with a victory for Barrios over Fabian Maidana on the Canelo vs Munguia undercard final month.
Coach Bob Santos has already outlined his approval for the Pacquiao battle to WBN. Nonetheless, it’s additionally recognized to WBN that Santos likes the concept of Haney stepping up in weight and fancies his cost’s probabilities.
It’s no secret that Haney didn’t look good in his final battle with Ryan Garcia, and regardless of the furor over the drug check failures on the a part of his opponent, “The Dream” may very well be seen as broken items for his first battle again.
Following a disastrous purse bid for a title protection in opposition to Sandor Martin, which noticed just one bidder [Top Rank] providing $2.4 million for the bout, Haney is at a unfastened finish. He’s sad with Matchroom Boxing for not backing him up for the bid. The 25-year-old may very well be prepared to permit his DHP promotional outfit to work with Premier Boxing Champions for a three-weight championship alternative at Barrios.
A lot must be mentioned, primarily with the WBC, about what choices Barrios realistically has open to him. When WBN requested Sulaiman in regards to the Barrios vs Pacquiao headliner, he was open to the concept. Nonetheless, in a latest replace, he added that there was nothing agency but concerning motion on negotiations.
That leaves the door open for Haney, who might vacate his present WBC belt in favor of a crack on the one above.
Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Be taught extra in regards to the writer, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Comply with on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
