Following his defeat by Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney’s father, Bill Haney, announced that his son would be taking a hiatus from boxing. The match, which ended in a 12-round majority decision in favor of Garcia, left Haney’s jaw visibly swollen on the left side. While Haney denied any fractures on social media, fans speculated that his jaw might be broken, leading to his decision to take a break from the sport. The concern over the severity of Haney’s jaw injury may be more significant than initially revealed.
Bill Haney confirmed that Devin would be stepping away from the ring for the time being, with plans to return after recuperation. If Haney did indeed suffer a broken jaw, it is essential for him to allow adequate time for healing before resuming boxing activities. The brutal blows sustained during the fight with Garcia raised concerns about potential long-term damage if Haney were to return too soon. While some suggest that being knocked out might have been a better outcome for Haney in terms of minimizing harm, his decision to take a break demonstrates a commitment to his health and well-being.
Promoter Oscar De La Hoya addressed the aftermath of the Haney vs. Garcia match, acknowledging Ryan Garcia’s dominating performance. Despite Garcia coming in overweight at the weigh-in, De La Hoya emphasized the significance of Garcia’s victory and commended his boxing skills. De La Hoya also criticized the referee, Harvey Dock, for what he perceived as a lack of neutrality during the fight. The holding tactics employed by Haney went unchecked, potentially aiding him in avoiding a knockout. Additionally, the timing of the point deduction against Garcia was questioned, suggesting a need for more consistent officiating.
The Haney vs. Garcia bout serves as a learning experience for Devin Haney and his team, highlighting areas for improvement and growth. Haney’s decision to take a break underscores the importance of prioritizing health and recovery in a physically demanding sport like boxing. Moving forward, Haney’s return to the ring will be eagerly anticipated, as he strives to make a comeback and prove his resilience. With the support of his family and fans, Haney will undoubtedly use this setback as motivation to come back stronger and more prepared for future challenges in the boxing world.
The narrative surrounding Devin Haney’s break from boxing sheds light on the physical toll and risks associated with professional fighting. Haney’s decision to prioritize his well-being sets a positive example for other athletes facing similar challenges. As he takes the necessary time to heal and recover, Haney’s supporters remain hopeful for his triumphant return to the ring, where he can continue to showcase his talents and determination.