Welterweight world title unifications are undoubtedly on the agenda for 2027, with Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney each keen to establish themselves as the man to beat in the 147lb division. Now, both men have been offered the opportunity to do just that.
Garcia defended his WBC welterweight world title against Conor Benn last month and has since been linked to a clash with WBA titleholder Teofimo Lopez. However, Lopez has been ordered to next face Chorley’s Jack Catterall if he is to keep hold of his belt, pushing back that particular unification until next year if Lopez wins.
Meanwhile, WBO champion Haney seemed set to take on Australia’s IBF titlist Liam Paro just a few weeks ago until talks for that clash appeared to collapse.
Yet, on his X account, Paro has now re-opened the door to Haney whilst simultaneously offering Garcia a new route to possibly becoming a unified world champion for the first time in his career.
“Ryan Garcia says I’m “renting” the IBF belt, while Haney fans say I’m ducking Devin or pricing myself out.
“Here’s the truth — I’ve accepted BOTH fights. My team has been reasonable on the money and I’ll fight either man any day of the week.
“I’m a proven two-division world champion. I don’t duck anybody.
“Devin Haney — you want to unify? Let’s do it.
“Ryan Garcia — if I’m renting this belt, come and take the fucking keys.
“Enough talk. Send the contract. Pick the date. I’ll be there.”
Ryan Garcia says I’m “renting” the IBF belt, while Haney fans say I’m ducking Devin or pricing myself out.
Here’s the truth — I’ve accepted BOTH fights. My team has been reasonable on the money and I’ll fight either man any day of the week.
I’m a proven two-division world…
— Liam Paro (@ParoLiam) October 1, 2026
Garcia has also been mentioned for a possible December outing against Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz. However, his interest in that contest appears to be dwindling, and a potential title unification against the Aussie could tempt him away from a fight with the reigning WBC super-lightweight interim champion.
Paro won the belt with a unanimous decision win over Lewis Crocker in June, becoming a two-division champion after briefly holding the IBF strap at super-lightweight in 2024.
