Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney are looking towards separate unification bouts, but there is one former world champion that is in hot pursuit of a challenge for both men’s titles, believing that the duo will ultimately have ‘no choice but to fight him’.
Lopez dethroned Rolando Romero to capture the WBA welterweight title this month and ‘The Takeover’ is now eyeing up a unification clash against Ryan Garcia, should he retain his WBC title against Conor Benn in two weeks.
Meanwhile, Haney was set to make a first defence of his WBO welterweight title against Keyshawn Davis until the latter pulled out of the contest. Since then, it has become clear that IBF welterweight ruler Liam Paro is Haney’s new target, but it remains to be seen whether that fight can be made.
In an interview with Ring Magazine, Brian Norman Jr., whom Haney defeated to get his hands on the WBO belt back in November, revealed his plans to secure a shot at Lopez’s belt.
“I have been wanting it [the Teofimo Lopez fight], we have been trying to make it in the past but he said no. So, now that he is a champion at 147, what’s up?
“Hell no, he still don’t [want the fight]. Like I said, they have a reason to avoid me and they will use it.”
Norman then went on to state that he is also targeting a rematch with Haney, which he believes will be mandated in 120 days’ time due to his status as the number one contender in the rankings.
“I’mma box ‘em up, they can’t do anything if I am number one in all rankings and that mandatory time hit. For example, Devin Haney, 120 days Keyshawn Davis didn’t take it but guess what? I will. So, 120 days, once that time is up then Devin Haney has to fight me.
“It’s the same thing with the other rankings, they will have to fight me. At that point, what can you do except drop the belt? Fight me or drop the belt.”
Haney should be able to delay an ordered fight with Norman by agreeing to a title unification – which would take priority over a mandatory defence – although it would appear that his solitary option is Paro, with Lopez and Garcia looking poised to collide unless Benn spoils those plans.
