Devin Haney vacates title, Alberto Puello named WBC Super Lightweight Champion

 

After formally relinquishing the super lightweight championship, Devin Haney will now be known as "champion in recess." Former interim champion Alberto Puello has assumed the throne, with obligatory title challenger Sandor Martín. The eventual opponent of Gary Antuanne Russell is anticipated to be the victor of Puello vs. Martin.

WBC released a statement on Haney and Co. on Monday:

WBC Superlight World Champion, Devin Haney, requested to be placed in the state of Champion in the Recess. The WBC Governing Board unanimously accepted the request of Champion Haney and declared him World Champion in WBC Recess. At the same time, the WBC Board of Government declared the current Interim World Champion Alberto Puello as WBC Super Lightweight World Champion.

In accordance with its Rules and Regulations, the WBC will order the period of free negotiations for the mandatory defense of the title of Champion Puello against the number one challenger and mandatory contender Sandor Martín.

Gary Antuanne Russell has requested that the WBC Board consider granting him an immediate revenge against the now champion Puello in light of Russell’s very competitive and closed defeat by divided decision. After a careful review, the WBC has granted an indirect revenge that will allow Russell to fight against the winner of the now ordered fight between Champion Puello and Sandor Martin.

Puello defeated Russell earlier this month in Las Vegas.

Haney has been enmeshed in the Ryan Garcia story for the past few weeks, which began with a disastrous weigh-in, progressed through an unexpected defeat, and ended with a failing drug test. Later, "The Dream" threatened to sue Garcia and announced his intention to step away from boxing for up to a year in order to address his current circumstances.

There is no set schedule for Puello vs. Martin.