Haney vs Paro Looks Like A Done Deal
Right then. After weeks of chasing Shakur Stevenson, Devin Haney has found a proper fight, and Haney vs Paro looks to be it. The Ring reports, citing sources, that the pair are set to meet on 19 December at Chase Center in San Francisco in a WBO and IBF welterweight title unification. Dan Rafael had reported earlier in the week that both camps told him they had agreed terms, with 19 December as the tentative date. Nothing has been confirmed by the promoters yet, so treat it as reported rather than signed off.
The fight is reportedly co-promoted by Devin Haney Promotions and Top Rank, and it is Haney's first fight under his exclusive multi-fight DAZN deal, which is where it is expected to be shown.
What Is At Stake In Haney vs Paro
This is a genuine unification. Haney (33-0, 15 KOs) holds the WBO welterweight belt and Liam Paro (28-1, 16 KOs) holds the IBF version, which the 30-year-old Australian southpaw won in June when he outpointed Lewis Crocker in Brisbane, all three judges having it 115-113. The winner would hold two of the four major welterweight titles. Ryan Garcia has the WBC strap and Teofimo Lopez the WBA, and those two are working towards a unification of their own, targeted for 6 February.
Let's not beat around the bush: that is the real prize. Win this and Haney is in a position to take on whoever comes out of Garcia-Lopez, and Paro, who has been overlooked in the 147lb division for too long, would suddenly be the name in the room.
How We Got Here
Haney versus Shakur Stevenson fell apart over weight and a rehydration clause, and the WBO's attempt to force a mandatory with Keyshawn Davis collapsed when Davis withdrew after rejecting the terms. Haney then signed with DAZN, and Paro was the obvious next step. Credit to Paro's team for making it happen, because a first defence against a former undisputed champion at home for Haney is a big ask.
Why This Is The Right Fight For Haney
San Francisco is Haney's backyard. He has been here before, outpointing Regis Prograis at Chase Center in December 2023 to win the WBC junior welterweight title, and he will have the crowd. He is a former undisputed lightweight champion who beat George Kambosos twice and Vasiliy Lomachenko, and he is a brilliant technician at his best. If you know, you know: when Haney boxes behind the jab and refuses to be dragged into a street fight, he is miserable to fight.
His loss to Garcia in April 2024, which was later changed to a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for ostarine, is still the fight people bring up. A rematch is possible down the line, and a statement win over Paro keeps that door wide open on better terms.
Why Paro Can Make It Difficult
Do not write Paro off. He is a rangy southpaw with 16 knockouts, he has proved he can take a world title off a quality opponent on the road in Brisbane, and he is two-division champion material. Southpaws always give Haney something different to think about, and Paro's left hand is the one punch I would worry about if I were in Haney's corner. But he is also making a first defence away from home, in front of a hostile crowd, against a man who does not make many mistakes.
Luke's Prediction
Make no mistake, this is a hard fight to call round by round, but I think it is an easy fight to call on the cards. Haney is levels above in terms of ring IQ and defensive nous, and he will make Paro miss and make him pay. I see Haney winning a clear decision with Paro having his moments in the middle rounds. Keep an eye on the news page and the fight schedule for confirmation from the promoters.