Devin Haney, the young and promising boxer, is in desperate need of a comeback after his disappointing performance against Ryan Garcia. In order to set up a lucrative rematch with Garcia in 2025, Haney must quickly rebuild his reputation and skills. The key to his success lies in selecting the right opponents and strategizing his career path effectively.
One potential opponent for Haney to consider is WBC champion Mario Barrios. Dethroning Barrios would elevate Haney’s status in the boxing world, although he may be labeled as a paper champion. Nevertheless, holding a belt would make a future rematch with Garcia even more lucrative. Given the vulnerabilities Haney showed against Garcia’s power punches, facing a non-puncher in his next fight is essential to avoid another embarrassing defeat.
When considering potential opponents for Haney’s next fight, it is crucial to choose low-hitting fighters such as Michael McKinson, David Papot, or Gabriel Maestre. These may not be household names in the U.S. boxing scene, but they are suitable choices considering Haney’s struggles against powerful punchers like Garcia. Fighting well-known and hard-hitting opponents at welterweight could prove disastrous for Haney at this stage in his career.
Boxing analyst Chris Mannix suggests a strategic plan for Haney’s comeback, involving fights against Mckinson, Barrios, and potentially Stanionis. While defeating these opponents would be a challenging task for Haney, it presents an opportunity for him to reclaim his lost credibility from the Garcia fight. Mannix’s proposed roadmap for Haney’s return to the top emphasizes the importance of careful opponent selection and gradual advancement in weight class.
As Haney prepares for his comeback, the spotlight is on his next opponent and the location for his potential fights. With a move up to 147 pounds on the horizon, Haney must navigate the welterweight division cautiously to avoid another setback like the one he experienced against Garcia. Fighting a lower-level puncher in his return match is essential for Haney to regain his confidence and momentum in his boxing career.
Devin Haney stands at a crucial juncture in his boxing career, with the need to rebuild his reputation and skills following a setback against Ryan Garcia. By selecting the right opponents, such as low-hitting fighters, and adopting a strategic plan for his comeback, Haney can pave the way for a successful return to the top of the boxing world. The road ahead may be challenging, but with the right approach and mindset, Haney has the potential to reclaim his status as a top contender in the sport.