It’s been a busy day for the World Boxing Council (WBC).
Devin Haney has officially vacated the super lightweight title and will now be referred to as “champion in recess.” Taking over the throne is former interim champion Alberto Puello, with Sandor Martín becoming mandatory title challenger. Gary Antuanne Russell is expected to (eventually) face the winner 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 spent the last several weeks mired in the Ryan Garcia drama, which started with a weigh ins disaster, continued with an upset loss, and concluded with a failed drug test. “The Dream” later threatened legal action against Garcia and plans to take up to a year off from boxing to deal with his current situation.
A timeline for Puello vs. Martin has yet to be determined.
