Haney vs Paro: unification expected on 19 December in San Francisco

Updated Wednesday 28 October: The Ring now reports that Haney vs Paro is expected on 19 December in San Francisco, replacing the previously reported possibility of 28 November in Atlanta. The proposed fight would be broadcast on DAZN.

Haney vs Paro is expected to take place on Saturday 19 December at Chase Center in San Francisco, with the WBO and IBF welterweight titles at stake, The Ring’s Mike Coppinger reported.

The proposed unification would be Haney’s first fight under his new exclusive multi-fight agreement with DAZN.

Haney vs Paro: date and venue

Detail	Reported plans
Date	Saturday 19 December 2026
Venue	Chase Center, San Francisco
Titles	WBO and IBF welterweight titles
Broadcaster	DAZN
Status	Reported by The Ring; awaiting official fight announcement

Neither fighter has confirmed the date or venue. Haney posted on X: “Quality over quantity.. 2X undisputed is on the agenda InshaAllah,” Sports Illustrated reported. The post did not name Paro or mention the date.

Haney vs Paro: the fighters

Haney, 27, is 33-0 with 15 knockouts and one no contest. He won the WBO welterweight title with a unanimous decision over Brian Norman Jr in Saudi Arabia on 22 November 2025, becoming a world champion in a third weight class. The Ring ranks him number one at welterweight and eighth pound for pound.

Paro, 30, is 28-1 with 16 knockouts. He won the IBF welterweight title in June with a unanimous decision over Lewis Crocker. The Australian would travel to California for the fight. In 2024, he went to Puerto Rico and beat Subriel Matias on a unanimous decision to win the IBF light-welterweight title.

A win for Haney would give him two of the four major welterweight titles.

How the Stevenson fight fell through

Haney had been in talks to fight Shakur Stevenson, but negotiations collapsed earlier this month amid disagreements over weight and a rehydration clause. Haney wanted no rehydration clause, while Stevenson wanted 145lb.

Stevenson’s manager, J Prince, alleged that Haney’s father, trainer and manager Bill Haney was responsible. “We agreed at 145, and Shakur was training for the fight,” Prince told Fight Hub TV’s Marcos Villegas, as The Ring reported. “I think Devin did [want the fight]. I think Bill never liked the fight, and he figured out a way to stop it.”

Prince said Stevenson will return at the start of 2027. He did not rule out a future fight with Haney if both are at welterweight.

Stevenson’s next move also involves an outstanding mandatory obligation, as explained in our report on Dalton Smith vs Shakur Stevenson and the WBO’s Muratalla order.

What Haney has said about the DAZN deal

“I’m at a point in my career where I want the biggest challenges and the fights the fans want to see. I’m excited to partner with DAZN,” Haney said in a statement reproduced by The Ring. “This agreement removes any doubt or uncertainty about my ability to make major fights in boxing. I’m in position to fight anyone, and I’m focused, motivated and ready for whoever is next.”

An official fight announcement is still to come, along with start times, UK viewing details and ticket information.

Follow our boxing coverage for the latest fight announcements.

Haney vs Paro: your questions answered

When is Devin Haney’s next fight?

Haney is expected to face Liam Paro on Saturday 19 December at Chase Center in San Francisco. The fight has not been officially announced, and no start time has been confirmed.

Who is Devin Haney?

Haney is a 27-year-old American boxer who holds the WBO welterweight title. He has won world titles in three weight classes and recently signed a multi-fight agreement with DAZN.

What is Devin Haney’s record?

Haney is unbeaten at 33-0 with 15 knockouts and one no contest. He has won world titles in three weight classes and currently holds the WBO welterweight title.