Fans React To Haney Blocking Left Hooks In Training – ‘Ryan Damaged Him’
Boxing fans have reacted to training footage showing Devin Haney blocking some left hooks.
Haney is preparing for his next fight, having not boxed since his performance against Ryan Garcia in April. Haney lost a majority decision as he hit the canvas three times in a major upset. Garcia’s left hook was key. Garcia hurt him as early as round one when Devin got hit on the chin as he went on the defensive. Haney failed to make any adjustments, as his game plan was heavily criticized in the post-fight reaction. But luckily for Haney, the result became a no-contest once Garcia failed VADA tests for Ostarine.
Garcia was subsequently banned for one year, as he will return to professional boxing from April 2025 onwards. There has been talk over a Haney-Garcia rematch for some time. The two fighters have said they are open to making it happen. But it is unlikely to be for Garcia’s first fight back. However, Haney has been busy in the gym, getting prepared for when it does arise. His father, Bill Haney, shared the following footage. We can see that Haney is being hit by the left hook repeatedly as he keeps his right hand up in an attempt to block it.
Haney’s Training
While that will simulate what he could expect against Garcia, since the left hook is his biggest weapon, what makes it difficult for Haney is that Ryan disguises it well with his jab. The speed and power of Garcia’s left hook could also still do damage, even if Haney blocks it on the glove. There is also the danger of Haney overlooking Garcia for simply having that left hook, making his defense predictable.
Garcia will still fancy his chances, knowing that he can hurt Haney by walking forward.
But it sets up a potential game plan where Haney can keep Garcia at range, block any left hooks and pick him off with his jab. That is easier said than done, but Haney’s decision to train this facet of his game shows that he is focused primarily on the Garcia rematch. Nevertheless, there is an argument that Haney is not doing himself any favors by sharing this footage. This is something that Garcia will ultimately expect, given their first fight. If Garcia can see that Haney is working on this, he will know that he can get to him if he walks him down.
And if the fight takes place above 140 pounds, Garcia’s power could do more damage. But it also means that any advantage Garcia may have had by coming in over 140 pounds for the first fight will be gone. Haney’s team will argue that those three pounds made a difference. That is what makes a rematch so intriguing. Boxing fans had plenty to say about the footage as they doubted whether Haney’s adjustments would make any difference.
Comments
Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com.
