(Left) Mark Magsayo throws a punch against Gary Russell Jr in their WBC featherweight title bout. WBC lightweight titleholder Devin Haney (right). AFP FILE PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines—WBC lightweight titleholder Devin Haney caught flak on social media after calling newly-minted boxing champion Mark Magsayo a “bum.”
Magsayo was collateral damage in Haney’s post on Twitter specifically intended for Gary Russell Jr., who lost to the Filipino in their world title fight on Sunday.
Haney’s post did not sit well with many, who described the remark as “disrespectful.”
Mr. cap aka Gary Russell lost to a bum 😭
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) January 23, 2022
The undefeated Magsayo stopped Russell’s near seven-year reign as WBC featherweight champion via majority decision.
Russell fought with a right shoulder injury, which he claimed he sustained two weeks before his fight against Magsayo.
Haney and Russell were in talks for a fight in 2020 but both camps failed to come to terms on a deal.
The two have been going back-and-forth on social media and interviews for the past several years.