Former undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney currently holds the WBC 140-lb title and is highly regarded by his fans. Unfortunately, his risk avoidance and dull fighting style have limited his ability to become a PPV draw.
Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) and his dad, Bill Haney, who does all the talking for him, say they want the best fights, but his actions speak louder than words, resulting in knowledgeable boxing fans wondering what his true angle is for his career.
Thus far, they view Haney as a calculated, cunning opportunist who avoids fighting the killers, like Subriel Matias, Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, and Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, and just focuses on fighting old guys, past their best and completely shot.
Does Haney desire greatness, or does he just want to get filthy rich with sure-thing fights against weak opposition, like Ryan Garcia?
The Refusal Waltz
Haney says he wants to fight Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, but his behavior suggests otherwise. He’s deadset against meeting Tank halfway by agreeing to a catchweight or any weight stipulations.
Obviously, those things would be needed for the fight to happen because Tank can’t be expected to move up to 140 and then face a 170-lb Haney on the night after he rehydrates 30 lbs.
We know that Haney plans on moving up to 147 soon, but the fighter that he’s being talked about facing is WBC interim welterweight champion Mario Barrios, a former WBA 140-lb champion, who Tank Davis already knocked out and was beaten up by a faded, inactive Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman.
Haney has not mentioned fighting the new King of the 147-lb division, IBF champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, and some boxing fans view this as just another example of Devin’s risk aversion.
Even at 140, Haney isn’t taking risks. He won’t fight IBF light welterweight champion Subriel Matias, who many view as the best in the weight class. Matias has already labeled Haney as a “Chicken” because of his avoidant nature.
Is Haney Playing It Safe?
Haney’s recent fights suggest that he’s completely playing it safe, but judge for yourself. Devin’s last six fights:
- Regis Prograis: A 35-year-old coming off a controversial victory over second-tier fighter Danielito Zorrilla.
- Vasily Lomachenko: 35 and much smaller than Devin
- George Kambosos Jr. x 2
- Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz
- Jorge Linares: 38
- Yuriorkis Gamboa: 40
Looking at Haney’s last six opponents, it’s clear that he’s failed to take the dangerous opposition that could potentially have beaten him around the clock and exposed him to the light of day.
Interestingly, Haney has focused on winning titles against weak champions Kambosos Jr. and Prograis instead of taking on the high-caliber opposition that would show the fans his true ability and turn him into a PPV attraction.
If you’re wondering why Haney hasn’t become a PPV star, it’s because he’s failed to fight the talented opposition that he needed to prove himself to the fans.
The Fighters Haney Needs To Fight
1. Shakur Stevenson
2. Gervonta Davis
3. Subriel Matias
4. Teofimo Lopez
5. Gary Antuanne Russell
6. Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis
7. Terence Crawford