WBO Orders Lightweight World Title Clash For Haney’s Vacated Belt
- Advertisement -
After Devin Haney vacated his undisputed lightweight title, the division became fragmented and titles became available. Finally, the WBO have confirmed that they have ordered a clash to determine their new title-holder and fulfil the last of the vacant 135lbs belts.
Shakur Stevenson picked up the WBC belt with a win over Edwin De Los Santos, the WBA upgraded Gervonta Davis to full champion, and the IBF announced that George Kambosos Jr and Vasyl Lomachenko will face off for their vacant title.
The man who has been selected to fight for the WBO title will be no surprise to those who follow the sport closely, with Emanuel Navarette being offered the chance to fight for the vacant belt.
It will be the third time he has had that opportunity, after successfully collecting vacant belts at featherweight and super-featherweight. A win for the Mexican would crown ‘Vaquero’ as a four-division world champion with all of his titles being with the WBO.
Navarette is 12-0-1 in WBO title fights, but struggled to overcome Liam Wilson when he initially stepped up to super-featherweight last year, after beginning his career at flyweight.
The 29-year-old was knocked down in the fourth-round and arguably should have been stopped, before he recovered and stopped the Aussie in the ninth. He has since defeated Oscar Valdez against the odds, but drew with Robson Conceicao on his last outing.
It’s yet to be confirmed whether Navarette would be willing to move up to 135lbs, but should he accept the proposal, he would take on Ukrainian contender and Olympic silver medallist Denys Berinchyk, the WBO has announced.
“The WBO World Championship Committee hereby orders the commencement of negotiations for the subject matter bout. The parties herein are granted 15 days upon notice of this order to reach an agreement.
“If an accord is not reached within the time frame outlined herein, purse bid procedures will be ordered pursuant to WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.”
With just 15 days for a decision to be made, confirmation of Navarette’s decision is expected imminently.
Read More: WBO Orders Lightweight World Title Clash For Haney’s Vacated Belt 2024-01-30 21:35:35