Devin Haney sends warning to Liam Paro ahead of December 19 showdown

On December 19, at Chase Center in San Francisco, Devin Haney vs Liam Paro headlines a Top Rank fight card in association with No Limit Boxing and TGB Promotions, live on DAZN. The WBO and IBF welterweight titles will be on the line. Ahead of their unification clash, both fighters met at the kickoff press conference, where Haney made it clear the difference between himself and Paro.

Devin Haney and Liam Paro set for unification showdown on Dec. 19

Haney (33-0, 15 KOs) hasn’t fought since his dominating victory over Brian Norman Jr in 2025, winning the WBO title. Haney was on top of the world after his impressive victory over Regis Prograis. However, a crushing defeat to Ryan Garcia followed. That loss was eventually changed to a no contest, with Garcia testing positive for at least one banned performance-enhancing substance in a VADA drug test. It was subsequently revealed that his B Sample was also positive for Ostarine.

Paro (28-1, 16 KOs) suffered his only professional career defeat against Richardson Hitchins at super lightweight. Since then, a move to welterweight has proved fruitful, defeating Lewis Crocker last time out to win the IBF welterweight title.

Devin Haney warns Liam Paro

Reflecting on the making of the Paro fight, Haney said: 

“It feels good to be back. I’m super excited. It’s been a long layoff. We tried to make numerous fights happen, but Allah is the perfect planner. Liam Paro is the opponent, so I look forward to it.”

Looking ahead to the challenge Paro poses, and his desire to punish him, Haney said:

“Like I said, I’m levels above him. I’m levels above those guys that he’s been in the ring with, that he’s beaten, that he’s lost to. And I must show him on December 19 that Devin Haney is a special fighter. Like I told Brian Norman Jr., like I’m telling him, I am a special fighter, and I will show the world on December 19.”

“Liam Paro is somebody who I shared numerous rounds with in sparring. We know the things that Liam Paro has said, and I must make him pay for that. We know that he has said things about Richardson Hitchins and Ryan Garcia, and I must show him that I’m a different animal. Under those lights, I’m a different fighter, and I must show him that it’s levels,” added Haney.

The Big Fight Weekend verdict

Haney is exceptional at controlling the distance in his fights, utilising his jab. He’s one of the best at picking his spots. He’s difficult to pin down, using footwork and good upper body movement to slip opponents’ punches.

Paro is a gritty southpaw fighter. He’s accurate in all his punches and keeps his work rate high throughout his fights. He will look to frustrate Haney with his accuracy, make him second-guess himself, and reduce his own output.

It’s always a great thing for the sport when two champions meet, and this bout is no exception. Looking at the qualities of both, we are backing Devin Haney to win by decision and become the unified welterweight champion.

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