Trainer Bill Haney has sounded the alarm as he builds anticipation for an upcoming fight that carries immense stakes for his son, Devin Haney. On May 2, Devin is set to face José Ramirez, a formidable former champion, on a high-profile undercard that features Ryan Garcia battling Rolando Romero in New York. Bill has made a bold proclamation aimed at Oscar De La Hoya, the promoter of Golden Boy Promotions, asserting that Devin will emerge victorious against Ramirez. This prediction is laden with implications, as a victory is essential not just for Devin’s pride but also for securing a much-anticipated rematch against Garcia later this year.
The upcoming bout is imbued with purpose. De La Hoya himself has hinted that for Devin to secure a rematch with Ryan Garcia, victory over Ramirez is a prerequisite. This adds an extra layer of pressure on Devin, whose record stands at 31 wins and only 15 knockouts. Despite this, his devastating loss to Garcia last year casts shadows on his prospects. Facing a rugged competitor like Ramirez (29 wins, 2 losses, 18 KOs) may be daunting, especially as Haney attempts to regain his footing in a division that is increasingly hostile to him.
As narratives unfold, one has to ponder the question: what happens if Devin falls short against Ramirez? Bill Haney must consider alternatives for his son’s future. There’s talk of potentially moving back down to the 135-pound division, which would undoubtedly be a risky move. The physical toll of cutting weight cannot be underestimated; it poses genuine health risks, and such drastic measures might even threaten Devin’s career longevity.
The current state of the 140-pound division is characterized by fighters who embody grit, determination, and power—qualities that Devin may struggle to match against elations like Ramirez, Ernesto Mercado, and Alberto Puello. This is not merely another fight; it’s a critical juncture in Devin’s career, as he strives to establish relevance after a demoralizing defeat. If the expectation is that a victory against Ramirez sets him on the path to redemption, many observers are skeptical about whether he possesses the necessary tools to accomplish this feat.
Bill Haney’s fervent declarations about his son’s prospects serve both as motivation and a cautionary tale. The cognitive dissonance of boasting about a win against a seasoned champion while navigating the implications of recent failures paints a complex portrait. Devin stands at a crossroads: emerging victorious may reinvigorate his reputation, but another setback could initiate an existential crisis in his career. As May 2 nears, both father and son will need to confront the realities of the sport—they must seek not only victory but also understanding of the daunting challenges ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.