EXCLUSIVE
Eddie Hearn claims Devin Haney will defend his WBC super-lightweight world title against Sandor Martin next, provided he beats Ryan Garcia.
Martin is the American's WBC mandatory and was paid a step-aside fee to allow the Garcia fight to happen this weekend.
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Hearn, who has a long-standing relationship with Haney and has frequently promoted him since 2019, previously insisted that the 25-year-old would vacate the green and gold strap rather than defend it against Martin.
However, Haney has since informed Hearn otherwise.
"I actually see Devin Haney moving to 147lbs (welterweight) eventually," Hearn told assembled media at Haney and Garcia's final press conference yesterday.
"He told me off last week because I said I think he'll vacate rather than fight Sandor Martin.
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"He's already given me an instruction to try and make the Sandor Martin fight next because I think he wants to maintain his belts, and I like that."
After Martin, there are plenty more big fights for Haney at 140lb.
Joining talkSPORT Drive on Friday, Hearn reeled off six potential bouts Haney could land before moving up in weight.
"At the 140lb division, there are lots of fights out there for him," Hearn said. "You've got Subriel Matias, our guy and a Puerto Rican world champion, you've Teofimo Lopez, another massive fight, and you've got Gervonta Davis, a huge fight as well.
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"You've even got Jack Catterall vs Josh Taylor, the winner of that is going to be in line for a world title, while you've got Dalton Smith coming through and Richardson Hitchins as well."
Of course, Haney will have to get through Garcia before he can secure any of the aforementioned fights.
The pair square off on Sunday morning at the Barclays Centre in New York as they look to finally settle their bitter feud once and for all.
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Concerns have been raised about Garcia's mental well-being after bombarding his followers with a litany of bizarre social media posts over the past few weeks, ranging from conspiracy theories to a video claiming he was dead.
However, 'King Ry' has been cleared to fight after undergoing a mental health evaluation with The New York State Athletic Commission, which Garcia claims he passed with 'flying colours'.
And even despite missing him missing weight on Friday, the fight will proceed as planned.
Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia will be live on talkSPORT from 4am on Sunday morning.
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