Gustavo Olivieri Says Devin Haney Has Merit For WBO Super Champion Status

“He could. Technically, he could. And I think he has the merits to be designated as Super Champion,” Olivieri said to Cigar Talk.

When asked what the process requires, Olivieri explained that Haney’s team must submit a written petition for the Championship Committee to consider.

“There’s a section in our rules, Section 14, titled Super Champion. Haney, through his team, has to file a written petition with all the relevant arguments per the rules, and we will consider it,” said Gustavo. “But I think he has the merits. He’s got the merits. Undisputed champion, multi-division champion. His record speaks for itself.”

Under WBO regulations, Super Champion status carries additional rights and privileges beyond those of a standard titleholder. The Championship Committee may extend a champion’s mandatory defense deadline for good cause, particularly when pursuing unification bouts or other major fights that benefit the sport. The designation does not eliminate mandatory obligations, but it can provide greater scheduling flexibility when approved.

Bill Haney quickly highlighted Olivieri’s remarks on X, posting a clip from the interview with the message, “The President has spoken.”

If Team Haney submits a petition, the decision will be made by the WBO Championship Committee. Olivieri’s comments indicate he believes Haney’s accomplishments warrant serious consideration, though the final determination rests with the committee under the organization’s rules.