Devin Haney, a name that reverberates throughout the boxing community, is preparing to reclaim his place in the ring after a hard-fought battle against Ryan Garcia. Known as a former two-division world champion, Haney’s discipline and work ethic have become his trademarks as he gears up for a comeback in early 2025. His recent social media update—a training photo that highlights his impressive physique—indicates that he is not just coming back; he is coming back ready. This isn’t the flabby physique of someone out of shape; instead, he showcases a hulking figure boasting solid muscle, likely hovering around the mid-160 lb range.
For Haney, the question arises: should he consider moving up to the junior middleweight division at 154 pounds? There is certainly physical potential; however, the lingering doubts regarding his power remain. While Haney has the size to compete at this weight class, his chin and punching power have been scrutinized after the loss to Garcia. Matchups with powerful equals, such as IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev, could present significant challenges. Many fans are left wondering how Haney would withstand Murtazaliev’s potent punches.
Haney’s most recent loss was a major setback in his career, as he succumbed to Garcia through a majority decision after twelve rounds, a defeat that still echoes in his camp. After the fight, both Haney and his father, Bill Haney, expressed a desire for a rematch with Garcia, a wish that currently appears far from fruition. Reports suggest that the potential for such a bout might be pushed back until late 2025 or even 2026. The lack of immediate rematch opportunities raises a challenging question: how will Haney maintain his competitive edge while waiting on a high-stakes fight?
Golden Boy Promotions’ Oscar De La Hoya, who manages Garcia, has indicated that a tune-up fight would take precedence once Garcia’s suspension ends. This leaves Haney in a precarious position, as a rematch does not seem to be a forthcoming option. A lot hinges on the nuance of the boxing business; while De La Hoya’s disinterest was noted, financial motivations may change the landscape, leading to a much-anticipated matchup.
Notably, Haney’s journey is not devoid of obstacles. Rumors circulating about his next opponent suggest a necessity for him to find an interim fight or a “tune-up” as suggested by promoter Eddie Hearn. Haney has a history of draining weight from higher classes to compete in the lightweight and junior welterweight divisions. This unsustainable cycle may require Haney to work meticulously to shed water weight if he chooses to face fighters in lower weight classes.
Beyond weight management, the advice from his training staff becomes crucial. Coach Mickey Bey has conveyed unwavering confidence in Haney’s resurgence. Bey’s determination in stating that Haney will prepare seriously for the rematch underlines the underlying belief that he could best Garcia if he elicits his complete potential. Yet, skepticism arises from Haney’s previous defeat. Bey’s comments on Haney’s skills may appear positive but are at odds with the undeniable power Garcia exhibited.
The rematch against Garcia may be Haney’s ultimate chance for redemption; a victory could adjust the trajectory of his career significantly—a chance to reinstate himself as a prominent player in the competitive boxing landscape. However, the reality remains: the path to redemption will not solely rely on his grit but also on strategic moves by his management and himself in preparedness.
Boxing is a realm where every step counts; focusing on the fundamentals during training could yield positive outcomes. A potential confrontation will undoubtedly require Haney to be at his best: sharper, quicker, and more resilient than ever before. As Haney trains rigorously, fans can only hope for a battle that rekindles his glory and reminds the world of the athlete he is capable of being.
While uncertainties loom large in the boxing world, one thing is clear: Devin Haney is resolute in his quest to rise again. The reflections from his training sessions are promising signs that he is molding himself for the challenges ahead, with a comeback tale beckoning to be written anew. Will he succeed? Only time will tell.