“Have the WBO.. I want the IBF,” Devin said on X.
Haney seems to have signaled his preferred opponent without directly naming him. The choice makes sense. Paro brings a large following in Australia and the potential for a PPV event built around two welterweight champions.
That separates Paro from Jack Catterall, another opponent who has been discussed for Haney. Catterall presents a difficult fight with his movement, defense, timing and awkward southpaw style.
Paro is a southpaw as well, but he’s much more willing to engage and turn fights into physical exchanges. Haney has generally performed well against aggressive fighters who come forward, giving him opportunities to box from range, counter, and tie up when they get inside.
Catterall offers a different challenge. He’s unlikely to chase Haney recklessly or provide the type of pressure that allows Haney to settle into his preferred rhythm. Taking that fight would mean accepting considerable stylistic difficulty without getting another world title in return.
Paro gives Haney the opportunity to unify the division while bringing an established Australian audience to the promotion. From Haney’s perspective, that combination makes the matchup easier to understand commercially.
Nothing has been finalized, but the exchange leaves little mystery about their interest. Both champions have publicly opened the door to putting the IBF and WBO titles together.
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