For former undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney, 2024 has been a rollercoaster so far. He began the calendar as a pound-for-pound contender and super lightweight champion, but now has no belt despite his undefeated record. Although he has stated that he would take a break from boxing and sit out the rest of the year, it looks like Haney will return and jump in at the deep end.

Haney moved up to 140 pounds after winning the lightweight title and made a phenomenal impression in his debut at that weight class, defeating Regis Prograis to become the WBC champion of that weight class. Just a few months later, Haney faced one of the most famous names in boxing, Ryan Garcia, but the fight did not go according to plan.

Garcia missed weight but still dominated proceedings without the incentive of becoming champion, knocking Haney down three times before raising his hand. However, it was later revealed that “King Ry” had failed a drug test on the day of the weigh-in and the day of the fight – forever tarnishing his best performance to date.

Consequently, the result of the fight was overturned and Haney’s score was restored to zero. However, he decided to take a break and thus became the WBC’s “champion in recess” while Alberto Puello took his position as WBC champion.

Just two months after that decision, Haney now appears ready to put the complications of this year behind him and put his controversy with Garcia behind him. Eddie Hearn told Boxing Scene that he is trying to set up a showdown between Haney and IBF super lightweight champion Liam Paro in Paro’s native Australia.

“It’s a good fight. Devin believes he can win this fight. Of course he can come back. He’s on a break from the WBC right now, so it’s about unification/regaining a title (fight).