Devin Haney Returns To Training; Targets A Fight In Saudi
Devin Haney is back in training and could fight on the December 21 card, which will feature Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk.
Haney has not boxed since his majority decision loss to Ryan Garcia. However, the result became a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for Ostarine, thus getting a year ban. Haney kept the WBC Junior Welterweight Title since Garcia failed to make weight. But ‘The Dream’ vacated after failing to face his mandatory Sandor Martin. Only Top Rank made a purse bid for it at $2.42 million.
Haney argued his commercial value had been damaged by the Garcia loss, where he was dropped three times. Once he vacated, Haney became a WBC Champion in Recess. While he has expressed a desire to rematch Garcia on a level playing field, he could move up to 147. Haney is much bigger than the 140-limit, often rehydrating to around 160 on fight night. A belt at 147 also makes him a three-weight world champion.
Haney’s Return
The following footage shows Haney back in training as he undergoes some weight training. After some exchanges with Turki Alalshikh, Haney could box in December. If Haney does move up to 147, he would need a solid test before moving on to face the big names.
Fights with Jaron Ennis and Eimantas Stanionis are risky, given their ability to knock out opponents. The Garcia fight showed that Haney struggled to face an opponent who was a similar size to him and came forward. Haney has not had a knockout since 2019, when he stopped Zaur Abdullaev. Fights with Karen Chukadzhian, Alexis Rocha, Roiman Villa or Gabriel Valenzuela would test Haney’s credentials.
That would then set up the narrative for a rematch at 147 or above against Garcia. Garcia has maintained that he would beat Haney once again. Ryan has argued that the amount of Ostarine in his system was insufficient to enhance performance. Therefore, if they fought again, it would be the same outcome.
Garcia Reacts
“I would beat his [backside] twice. I beat him easy. They could blood test me every week, every day. They could have a camera in my training camp. [And] they could know everything, but this man will not beat me. I’ve ruined this man bad. It’s funny that Bill [Haney] is continuing the same story. He’s just trying to make it seem like I cheated, and there’s no way his son would have lost if I didn’t take Ostarine when we know I didn’t,” Garcia stated
There are question marks over whether Haney will ever be the same fighter. The Dream knows that fighters may now seek to get on the inside and pressure him after suggestions that he has a weak chin. There is also the mental pressure of trying to develop a style that will appease to boxing fans.
Haney often gets criticized for not boxing on the front foot. But now that there are doubts over his defence, he may have no option but to engage with fighters if they box on the front foot. If Haney struggles with Garcia’s power, there will be bigger hitters at 147.
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