The highly anticipated Devin Haney vs. Sandor Martin WBC 140-pound title fight is set to proceed to a purse bid hearing on June 18. Despite a 30-day negotiation period, the two camps were unable to reach an agreement. An extension request was anticipated but will now need to be made before the bidding process.
Haney (31-1, 15 KOs), currently ranked No. 1 at 140 pounds by The Ring, promotes himself, while Spain’s Martin (42-3, 15 KOs), ranked No. 9, is co-promoted by Top Rank and OPI Since 82.
Background
This mandatory title clash follows Haney's controversial 12-round majority decision loss to Ryan Garcia on April 20 in Brooklyn, New York. Despite the loss, Haney retained his title as Garcia weighed in 3.2 pounds over the divisional limit. The aftermath of this bout has been overshadowed by Garcia’s positive drug test for the banned substance Ostarine, which is under investigation by the New York State Athletic Commission. The likely outcome is a No-Contest ruling, which would restore Haney’s unblemished record but still require him to defend his title.
Fighter Perspectives
Haney, a former undisputed lightweight champion, moved up in weight and secured the WBC 140-pound title by defeating Regis Prograis in December last year in San Francisco, California. This victory marked his seventh consecutive win over a former or current titleholder.
Martin, a 30-year-old southpaw, has been vocal about his intentions. “Devin Haney calls himself ‘The Dream,’ but I am his worst nightmare,” Martin stated in January. “I will be the next WBC junior welterweight world champion. Whether he wants to lose his title to me in the ring or run up the scales to welterweight, the choice is his.”
Martin’s most notable win came in October 2021, when he defeated former four-division titlist Mikey Garcia. He also delivered a strong performance against Teofimo Lopez in December 2022, although Lopez escaped with a split decision. Many observers felt Martin deserved the victory. Since then, Martin has fought twice on club-level shows in Italy last year.
What’s Next
The purse bid on June 18 will determine the promotional rights and financial details for the Haney vs. Martin title fight. As both fighters prepare for this significant bout, fans eagerly await what promises to be an exciting showdown in the junior welterweight division.