Devin Haney has agreed to meet Liam Paro in a WBO and IBF welterweight unification before the close of the year in the United States, according to Mike Coppinger of The Ring. Official confirmation on the date and venue remains pending.

The matchup offers Haney an ideal path toward a second belt. Facing an opponent recently beaten by Richardson Hitchins represents a noticeably safer route than the scrapped Shakur Stevenson clash. Paro carries championship hardware, yet that December 2024 split decision defeat gives Haney a transparent blueprint.

Hitchins took Paro’s 140-pound belt by controlling distance, working behind a disciplined jab, and forcing the Australian to play catch-up all night. Haney possesses the precise reach, jab, and ring generalship required to run the exact same play.

Because of that dynamic, this unification leans toward comfortable territory for Haney. Paro holds a world title, yet Haney does not have to invent a fresh game plan. The tape exists, showing Paro struggling against an opponent armed with a very similar skill set.

The main wildcard rests on Haney’s activity level. He has stayed out of action since his November 2025 victory over Brian Norman. A layoff stretching near a full year is tough preparation for any world-level contest, especially if Paro manages to drag him into deep waters early.

Still, the stylistic matchup heavily favors Haney. He steps back into competition with two world titles on the line while facing a fighter susceptible to his trademark boxing style.

Paro must avoid turning this bout into a fruitless footrace. To take the victory, he has to cut off the ring, hammer the body, and make Haney pay for retreating. Stalking without throwing and waiting for clean openings will merely walk him straight into the WBO champion’s rhythm.

The upside for Haney is massive: capturing a second belt and securing major leverage for future paydays. Defeating Paro takes him one step nearer to an undisputed run at 147, even if it leaves lingering questions about how he handles the division’s truly lethal punchers.