Haney Hints At A Cruz Fight – ‘Tank’s Leftovers’
Devin Haney has hinted at a unification fight with the WBA Junior Welterweight Champion Isaac Cruz.
Despite losing to Ryan Garcia in his last fight, Haney is still the WBC Junior Welterweight Champion. Garcia missed the 140-pound limit by 3.2 pounds, meaning he was not eligible to fight for the title. Garcia would drop Haney three times on his way to a majority decision win.
Since Garcia failed two VADA tests for Ostarine, the result could now be overturned. Haney’s attorney has requested that the New York State Athletic Commission disqualify Ryan, giving Haney the victory. Now, Haney appears to be looking for a unification. A fight between Haney and Cruz could prove competitive.
Haney vs. Cruz
There is a perception around Haney that he has a weak chin. Garcia connected repeatedly with his left hook, as Haney could not make any adjustments. Cruz fights on the front foot as he pushes his opponent’s back. His last fight was a stoppage win over Rolando Romero. Cruz will fancy his chances if he can get past Haney’s jab and close the distance. Cruz has previously called out Haney, showing there is a desire to make the fight on both sides.
“I like it when guys call me out because it makes for good fights to happen if he’s really serious. That’s a fight I’ll explore once I’m victorious vs. Ryan Garcia on April 20th. It wouldn’t be no different. I would make him look mediocre like I do to these guys. It’s not easy. I just make it look that way,” Haney stated
Nevertheless, the WBC has ordered Haney to face his mandatory Sandor Martin. The Spaniard is unlikely to accept step-aside money, putting the onus on Haney to take that fight. A Haney fight against Martin is unlikely to sell, given that their style does not resonate with the casual fans. Cruz is one of the most exciting Mexican fighters, making that fight more attractive.
Alternatives For Haney
Another possible fight is against Teofimo Lopez. Lopez holds the WBO belt as he boxes Steve Claggett on June 29. Lopez and Haney were linked with a fight at 135. This time around, a unification could sell, given they are both two-weight world champions.
If the Cruz/Lopez fight does not happen, there is always the possibility of running things back with Ryan Garcia. If Garcia’s win stays intact, Haney will have more of a desire to avenge the loss. Haney maintained that it was the PEDs that would have helped Garcia, setting the narrative for a rematch based on fair terms. Eddie Hearn was keen on making that fight happen.
“I think so and I think it’s a massive fight as well. I wasn’t surprised Devin win, ‘I’m not fighting Ryan again,’ because he’s really angry. If Ryan wasn’t in boxing, he’d probably make money with something else, but I want him in boxing. I think he’s a massive asset to boxing,” Hearn said
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