Haney at the Crossroads: Rematch or Decline After Garcia’s Blow?

Devin Haney at the Crossroads of His Career: Rematch or Decline?

Devin Haney’s trajectory, former undisputed lightweight champion, is at a crucial point. At 26 years old, Haney has achieved notable feats, but an encounter with Ryan Garcia has tested his status in boxing. 19 months ago, a powerful left hook from Garcia changed Haney’s course. Although the fight was declared a no-decision due to a failed drug test by Garcia, the impact was undeniable. Critics questioned Haney’s position among the best pound-for-pound fighters. This Saturday, Haney will face Brian Norman, another young man with a dangerous left hook. This fight is an opportunity to close the chapter on what happened in April 2024. A victory would put him back on top of the division, while a defeat could be devastating.

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

Devin Haney

The image of Haney being knocked down by Garcia is what many remember. Now, facing an opponent with a potentially stronger punch than Garcia’s is an act of bravery or a tactical error. Haney has been the subject of constant criticism, but he has shown his ability to respond to adversity. Whether with his victories over George Kambosos or his dominance over Regis Prograis, Haney has silenced his detractors. The combination of a technical style and a striking personality outside the ring has drawn comparisons to Floyd Mayweather. However, his style depends heavily on winning and remaining undefeated. Haney was named part of the “Four Kings” of this era, along with Gervonta Davis, Teofimo López, and Ryan García. However, this quartet has not met expectations in the same way as their predecessors from the 1980s. Haney is a “jack of all trades” master, but what is not immediately apparent is what makes him unique. His greatest quality, instincts, could be in doubt after the fight with Garcia. Now, he needs to regain that ability against Norman.

Haney was the favorite to beat Garcia, but he fell victim to mind games. Although his opponent didn’t make weight and was later suspended for doping, Haney wasn’t prepared for Garcia’s left hook. Mora believes Haney is still “shaken” by the fight with Garcia and “is afraid of being hit,” a dangerous combination against a puncher like Norman. But that danger is what excites Haney about his next fight. Haney does not shy away from challenges, and the fight with Garcia taught him a valuable lesson about himself.

“You don’t know if a boxer can take a punch until he actually gets hit and you don’t know a boxer’s heart until it’s tested,” Haney said. “And when my chin and my heart were tested, I showed up. I got up off the canvas, not once, not twice, but three times. And I fought back. I didn’t run. I fought like a warrior, and if I was going out that night, I was going out on my shield.”

Devin Haney

The fight on Saturday is a turning point for Haney. A victory could take a weight off his shoulders, but the risk could outweigh the reward. Haney, instead of avoiding danger, prefers to face it and see what it offers. Haney aims to prove that he is willing to challenge himself and those who doubt him.