Devin Haney Could Move Up To 147 – Is It The Right Move?
Devin Haney has hinted at moving up to 147, which could be a good move.
Haney is a two-weight world champion. He became the youngest undisputed champion of the four-belt era when he won all the belts at 135 pounds. Haney then moved up to 140 and beat Regis Prograis in his first fight to become the WBC Junior Welterweight Champion. However, he lost his last fight against Ryan Garcia, losing a majority decision. But since Garcia failed to make weight, Haney remained the champion. But his stock has reduced dramatically. He was criticized for failing to adjust against Garcia, as his chin was found wanting. Although Garcia failed two VADA tests for Ostarine, Haney was no longer seen as the same fighter.
Haney’s Options
A move up to 147 could make sense. Haney was already big for 135, while 140 is a little struggle. Haney’s weight on fight night is around 160, while his walkaround weight is more than that. A move to 147 could see him face Mario Barrios. Barrios has been elevated from the interim champion to a full WBC champion. This was after Crawford became a ‘Champion in Recess’ once he moved up to 154 pounds. A fight against Barrios is winnable.
Haney also has tough fights at 140. Teofimo Lopez holds the WBO belt, while Isaac Cruz has the WBA belt. Liam Paro is coming off a shock win against Subriel Matias as he secured the IBF belt. These are all fights Haney could lose, especially those against Lopez and Cruz. Lopez and Cruz fight on the front foot. Based on what Garcia did to Haney, they will fancy their chances.
Welterweight also allows Haney to continue his legacy. A win at 147 makes him a three-weight world champion. While he may not have the most appealing style, the world titles speak for themselves. He could join Shakur Stevenson and Vasily Lomachenko as other fighters who won belts in three weight classes. Given that Haney is 25, he still has plenty left in his career.
Further Options
The 147 division also offers Haney a promise of a fresh start. He is still reeling from the Garcia result. There is no guarantee that it will become a no-contest, meaning Haney’s undefeated record may be gone. His father, Bill Haney, has said his son will not enter negotiations for any other fights until Devin’s undefeated record is reinstated. That would require punishing Garcia and disqualifying him.
Haney is required to face Sandor Martin at 140 after the WBC made the order. That fight will struggle to sell out. Martin and Haney are defensively sound boxers, which does not bode well for a spectacle. Matchroom Boxing did not make any bids for the fight, even though they work closely with Haney. Top Rank won the purse bids with a $2.42 million bid. Eddie Hearn was clear the fight did not appeal to them. Haney must decide what is best for his career, and a move to 147 could be that.
“We don’t have a contract with Devin. It’s not an appealing fight; it wasn’t a fight DAZN was motivated by or one that had any value. Devin is a free agent and has his own promotional company,” Eddie Hearn said
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