Devin Haney is stepping back into the spotlight as he prepares for a return to the ring, reportedly set for December. As a fighter with a record of 31 wins, 15 of which are by knockout, Haney’s journey has been marked by resilience and challenges, not just in the ring but in navigating his weight and the expectations that come with it. Recently, he shared a glimpse of his training regimen on social media, showcasing his work with his father, Bill Haney, who continues to play a pivotal role in his development as a fighter.
One of Haney’s pressing concerns is his weight class. Currently, he appears to be hovering around the 170-pound mark, a significant leap from his typical fighting weight of 140. This raises critical questions about where he will fight upon his return. The options are plentiful: he may consider staying at junior middleweight (154) to avoid the physically taxing requirement of shedding over 25 pounds. This weight loss could pose serious health risks, particularly given the strenuous nature of his past fights. Ultimately, it’s essential for Haney to prioritize his wellbeing over tactical advantages that might come from fighting in a lighter category.
In the boxing world, a comeback can be a double-edged sword, fraught with excitement but also rife with risks. Haney’s potential return fight serves as a critical point in his career, especially since he is still dealing with the fallout from his last match against Ryan Garcia. Though the latter fight initially resulted in a majority decision loss for Haney, the outcome was later annulled due to Garcia’s positive drug test. Nonetheless, the visual of Haney enduring significant punishment during that fight lingers in the minds of fans and critics alike.
The choice of opponent for a “tune-up” fight is crucial. Haney needs a challenger that fans are familiar with, someone who poses a genuine threat yet provides an opportunity to restore his reputation. Potential candidates like Brian Mendoza and Jesus Ramos come to mind, but Haney must navigate these waters carefully. A poor performance or, even worse, a loss against a lesser-known fighter could irreparably damage his brand, which is already fragile after the controversial fight against Garcia.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has weighed in on the situation, advising Haney to choose a less taxing fight that allows him to regain some momentum. The boxing community is well aware that another defeat would not only diminish Haney’s marketability but could also jeopardize lucrative opportunities down the road. However, Haney’s financial expectations pose a challenge. Hearn expressed skepticism about whether Haney would agree to fight for less than $4 million, which seems unlikely without a significant name attached to the bout.
Furthermore, outside investors like Turki Alalshikh have a significant say in Haney’s journey moving forward. If Alalshikh decides to feature Haney in one of his lavish events during Riyadh Season, the financial stakes could rise. However, such an event would necessitate Haney facing a talented opponent—someone capable of delivering a real challenge, which complicates Haney’s path to recovery.
As Devin Haney continues to prepare for his return, the path ahead is fraught with uncertainty. His wish for a rematch with Ryan Garcia is clouded by the potential pitfalls that a poor performance in a tune-up fight could create. Boxing is an unforgiving sport; reputations can be tarnished with one wrong move, and Haney is all too aware of the stakes involved.
All factors considered, Haney’s comeback is not just a matter of returning to the ring; it’s about navigating the complex web of weight classes, opponent selection, and financial expectations. With pressure from promoters, the weight of public expectation, and the shadow of his last fight hanging over him, Haney’s ability to emerge victorious—both in the ring and in the public eye—will define this critical juncture in his career. The boxing community will be watching closely as he embarks on this new chapter.