Devin Haney, the renowned former two-division world champion, is making headlines again with his impressive training regimen. Recently, he shared a photo on Instagram that displayed his physical readiness for a highly anticipated return to the ring. With an unblemished record of 31 victories, including 15 knockouts, the 24-year-old fighter appears to weigh in the mid-160-pound range, showcasing a remarkable physique devoid of excess body fat. This transformation suggests that Haney is eyeing a move to the junior middleweight division, a significant step up that could offer both challenges and opportunities.
If Haney indeed ventures into the junior middleweight arena, he has the size necessary to compete effectively. Yet, there remain questions about his power and durability at this weight. Notably, a bout against IBF Champion Bakhram Murtazaliev could prove perilous, especially if the latter lands his devastating left hook. Murtazaliev’s reputation for power is well-established, making a potential match dangerous for Haney, who has shown vulnerability in previous outings.
Following his last fight—a 12-round majority decision loss to Ryan Garcia on April 20—Haney faces pressure to prove himself again. His defeat raised eyebrows within the boxing community, leading many to speculate on the feasibility of a rematch against Garcia. Haney and his father, Bill, have expressed a desire for this rematch, but the timeline may stretch into late 2025 or even 2026, making it uncertain. Promoter Oscar De La Hoya hinted that Garcia would likely take a tuneup fight upon the conclusion of his suspension in April 2025, dampening hopes for an immediate rematch. The hesitance expressed by De La Hoya hints at broader business considerations within the sport that often overshadow fighters’ personal ambitions.
In light of his recent defeat, a cautious approach to Haney’s next moves appears prudent. Boxing analysts suggest that a tuneup fight is essential before he steps back into the ring against a formidable opponent like Garcia. Furthermore, moving to welterweight brings its own challenges; Haney would require an efficient weight cut to meet the 147-pound limit, a process he is no stranger to, given his previous battles at 135 and 140 pounds.
Mickey Bey, Haney’s coach, conveyed confidence in their prospects, asserting that Haney will consolidate his skills to return to form. Bey’s remarks include a strong belief in Haney’s ability to reclaim victory against Garcia, though one must consider his performance in their last fight. While Bey remains adamant about Haney’s future success, doubts linger due to Haney’s previous losses—had the referee been more vigilant about counting knockdowns in round seven, the outcome might have been significantly worse.
For Haney, securing a rematch with Ryan Garcia is not merely about redemption; it represents a financial opportunity that could revitalize his career. Winning would not only enhance his brand but would affirm his status among boxing elites. However, the road to that rematch is paved with caution, and the outcome remains unpredictable. In professional boxing, every match serves as a crucible, testing a fighter’s resolve, skill, and capacity to adapt under pressure.
Yet, there lies an inherent risk in rushing back into competition against a seasoned puncher without proper preparation. If Haney opts for a head-on encounter with Garcia or another heavy hitter too soon, the consequences could significantly jeopardize his career trajectory. The boxing realm has seen numerous fighters rise and fall in the blink of an eye; a second loss could haunt Haney for years to come.
As Devin Haney prepares for his upcoming tuneup fight scheduled for early 2025, he is at a critical juncture. The transition to a higher weight class presents a unique set of challenges, not only in terms of physical conditioning but also in terms of gaining the requisite experience to handle opponents with greater power. The boxing world eagerly anticipates his return, hoping for a competitive spirit that aligns with his potential. Whether Haney can navigate these challenges and reestablish himself as a dominant force in boxing remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that his journey is both fascinating and fraught with risks.