BUZZ Devin Haney reportedly to face Liam Paro Dec. 19 after DAZN deal; Stevenson fight off

Devin Haney has a new promotional home and, according to The Ring, a first opponent. Sources told the outlet's Mike Coppinger that Haney will face IBF welterweight champion Liam Paro on Dec. 19 at Chase Center in San Francisco, with both the WBO and IBF belts on the line. Nothing has been officially announced.

The fight follows DAZN's announcement of an exclusive multi-fight deal with Haney, who holds the WBO belt. It came as a proposed fight with Shakur Stevenson fell by the wayside. Haney said the agreement removes any doubt about his ability to make the major fights in boxing.

The card is already producing friction. Dan Rafael reported that Tiger Johnson is among the names under consideration for the undercard, alongside Brian Norman Jr. against Abel Ramos. Haney answered on social media: "How is this gonna happen with a restraining order on me?" Haney and his father Bill were arrested on February 1 after a January 30 altercation with Johnson at Madison Square Garden and have pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor assault. The terms of the restraining order have not been confirmed, and Johnson's place on the card is only a reported possibility.

The Paro fight would end a long layoff. Haney, 28, last fought in November 2025, beating Norman by unanimous decision to win the WBO title, so he would be close to a year out. Paro, 30, of Australia, won the IBF belt in June with a unanimous decision over Lewis Crocker, and Bad Left Hook expects him to be a considerable underdog.

The winner would hold two welterweight belts and could look toward an undisputed fight with the winner of a rumoured bout between WBC champion Ryan Garcia and WBA champion Teofimo Lopez. Boxing News cautions the WBA belt may not be at stake because of the situation involving mandatory challenger Jack Catterall.

Watch for DAZN or the promoters to confirm the date, venue and undercard, including whether Johnson is actually added.