Devin Haney at the Crossroads: Rematch after Garcia’s blow or decline?

Devin Haney at the Crossroads: Triumph or Decline?

Devin Haney’s career, former undisputed lightweight champion, is at a crucial point. At 26 years old, Haney has achieved significant milestones, but a setback against Ryan Garcia has tested his status in boxing. 19 months ago, a left hook from Garcia changed the course for Haney, who fell to the canvas three times in a fight that was later declared a no-decision due to a positive drug test from Garcia. Despite not suffering an official defeat, the criticisms about his position among the best pound-for-pound fighters were immediate. This Saturday, Haney will face Brian Norman, another young fighter with a dangerous left hook, seeking to close the chapter on what happened in April 2024. A victory over Norman, recognized as the best welterweight according to the rankings, could put Haney back in the spotlight and dispel doubts. However, a defeat could be devastating for his career.

This fight is super important because this is a guy they say is my kryptonite. They say he has a left hook, he’s powerful, he’s big, he’s everything. So, a victory is everything for me. I will be champion again and I will put myself back on top where I once was.

Devin Haney

The defeat against Garcia, which later turned into a “no contest”, and an unconvincing victory over Jose Ramirez, have affected Haney’s image. The memory of Garcia’s punches is what endures, and now he faces a boxer with a potentially more powerful punch. This decision is an act of bravery or a strategic error. Sergio Mora, former champion and commentator, questions Haney’s choice to fight Norman, considering his recent performance. On the other hand, a victory could revitalize his image and prove his worth.

Over the years, Haney has faced constant criticism, even after his victories. He was nicknamed “email champion” after being elevated to WBC champion in 2019. Mora considers these criticisms unjustified, highlighting his victories over George Kambosos and Vasiliy Lomachenko. Haney, instead of avoiding challenges, seeks them out. “I just want to fight the best boxers in the world,” he states. His ability to overcome adversity and silence his critics has been a constant in his career. However, the fights against Garcia and Lomachenko have put his pound-for-pound status in doubt. Haney has expressed that he embraces the criticism, but the reality is that the public either loves or hates him.

Haney, outside the ring, is bold and flashy. Although he is a technically sound boxer, his style is not always exciting, which has led to comparisons with Floyd Mayweather. This style, however, relies heavily on winning and remaining undefeated. Shawn Porter believes that Haney’s public image doesn’t always match his performance in the ring. Haney was considered part of the “Four Kings” of this era, along with Gervonta Davis, Teofimo López, and García. However, this group hasn’t achieved the same impact as their predecessors, who faced each other in their prime. Haney lacks the distinctive qualities of his contemporaries. He is not the defensive genius of Stevenson, nor does he possess the devastating power of Davis, the speed of Lopez, or the hand speed of Garcia. He is a “master of none”, but that quality is what makes him unique. Porter points out that Haney lost some of his instinct in the fight against Garcia, allowing his ego to interfere. To triumph against Norman, he needs to regain that ability to adapt. Haney, despite being the favorite, succumbed to García’s tactics, who arrived at the fight with chaotic behavior. Haney was not prepared for García’s left hook. Mora believes that Haney is still affected by the fight with Garcia and fears being hit, an unfavorable combination for a confrontation with a puncher like Norman. Haney, however, feels motivated by this challenge.

Mora and Porter differ on whether Saturday’s fight is a turning point for Haney. Mora does not believe that a defeat will erase his achievements, while Porter considers that the way he fights will determine his future. Both agree that, although a victory would be beneficial, the risk could outweigh the reward. Haney values bravery and the willingness to face challenges. “What people don’t know is that I am able to get up when I fall and I have a good chin. The way I defeat Brian Norman, I think a lot of people will have to give me credit,” he said.