“Have the WBO.. I want the IBF,” Haney posted on X.
There isn’t much mystery about the target. Paro owns the IBF belt, and both sides have already discussed a unification fight.
The timing of Haney’s message is particularly interesting. Paro complained earlier that he had stopped hearing from Haney’s side after making it clear he wanted the fight.
“Haney is ducking me,” Paro told Fox Sports Australia. “I’ve said I’m good to fight by the end of October, and we ain’t heard a thing.”
Paro also denied that his financial demands were responsible for negotiations failing, saying he was willing to face Haney in either Australia or the United States.
Haney’s latest message suggests the Aussie titleholder hasn’t been discarded.
That creates uncertainty around Jack Catterall, who has been in negotiations to challenge Haney for the WBO title on October 3. Catterall’s manager, Sam Jones, has said his side accepted the fight and proposed date, but no fight has been formally announced.
Haney may still be considering both options, but publicly identifying the IBF belt as the one he wants keeps Paro firmly in the picture.
Paro also offers something Catterall cannot: the opportunity for Haney to become a unified welterweight champion.
After Paro accused Haney of avoiding him earlier Tuesday, the WBO champion has now given him an answer of sorts. If Haney’s post reflects his immediate plans, Paro may be getting the fight he wanted.
