Devin Haney’s Nightmare 2024: Here’s Why

December 27, 2024
2 months
Devin Haney's Nightmare 2024: Here's Why

Devin Haney had the worst year in boxing, and here is why. 

Haney entered the year with plenty of optimism. He had just beaten Regis Prograis in December 2023 to become a two-weight world champion. He entered the biggest fight of his career against Ryan Garcia as the WBC Junior Welterweight Champion. However, the fight did not play out the way he wanted. Garcia upset the odds by dropping Haney three times and securing a shock win. While Haney saw the result become a no-contest after Garcia’s failed VADA tests for Ostarine, it damaged his brand significantly. Haney vacated his WBC Junior Welterweight Title.

Haney’s Struggles

This was after only Top Rank made a purse bid for his then-mandatory Sandor Martin. It showed Haney’s standing had fallen. It also dispelled the narrative that Haney was a defensive genius. He failed to make any adjustments against Garcia’s left hook, which was repeatedly landing. Haney’s game plan also came under fire. He decided to trade with Garcia, knowing that he left himself open to the hook. Haney also abandoned his jab, which showed some early signs of success in the fight. Haney’s future is uncertain. He has been linked with fights from 140-147 pounds.

Liam Paro, the former IBF Junior Welterweight Champion, claimed Haney priced himself out of a fight. Teofimo Lopez also said Haney turned down an offer for a fight. Haney now faces a situation where he is the B-side in most negotiations. There is a negative perception of how he reacted to the Garcia fight. Haney sued Garcia for battery, unjust enrichment and breach of contract. But Tim Bradley was very vocal, telling Haney to move on with his career.

Haney’s 2025

There is also no guarantee that Haney will secure the Garcia rematch. The two fighters have made conflicting comments about it. Although Haney may want more concessions in a rematch, Garcia is still the A-side. In fact, his social media following increased after the failed VADA tests. But Devin’s father, Bill Haney, was targeting a big 2025. That will depend on who Devin faces next.

“All the fights are options. I believe in Devin, and I believe in his skills. I also believe in doing things right. I believe in trailblazing being compensated for the position he’s in, and having the right deal structure. It’s more about the deal structure than anything else. One thing we can do is let him rest his body. He’s a young guy.

“He’s been traveling, he’s been fighting, and he’s been doing. There was a lot that went into the [Ryan Garcia] fight. He’s the one that said he’s going to take off a year, and I back his plan 100%. If he had said that he wants to get back in four month’s time, I would have backed that too. He said he wants to take a year off. He didn’t say he’s retiring. In that year, we have a chance of seeing everybody else,” Bill said 

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