Devin Haney eyes move to 154lbs for fight with Jaron Ennis
Trainer Bill Haney reveals plans for Devin Haney to target the welterweight title before moving up to face Jaron Ennis at super-welterweight.
Devin Haney is targeting a move to the super-welterweight division to secure an undisputed unification bout against Jaron Ennis. His father and trainer, Bill Haney, confirmed the long-term strategy involves Haney first capturing the undisputed welterweight championship.
The plan follows a potential matchup against Liam Paro, the current IBF super-welterweight champion. Paro secured his title earlier this year by defeating Lewis Crocker. A contest between Haney and Paro is being targeted for Saturday, October 3.
Bill Haney expressed his hope that Ennis will hold the undisputed throne at 154lbs when the time comes for their meeting. Ennis currently holds the WBA and WBO titles in that weight class after his victory over Xander Zayas. Ennis is expected to face IBF champion Josh Kelly in the coming months.
This strategic shift comes after Haney's expected fight with Keyshawn Davis failed to materialize. Although the WBO mandated a contest between the two, which Top Rank won via purse bids, Davis withdrew from the negotiations. Davis cited concerns regarding his pay during the process.
Haney is scheduled to return to the ring this October. While negotiations continue for his upcoming appearances, the focus remains on the eventual transition to a higher weight class to face the pound-for-pound star.