Promoter Eddie Hearn predicts a knockout win for Devin Haney over Ryan Garcia in their long-awaited headliner on DAZN PPV on April 20th in Brooklyn, New York.
Although Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) isn’t known for his power and hasn’t knocked anyone out in five years since 2019, Hearn believes he’s punching harder now that he’s fighting at 140.
He notes that Haney dropped his last opponent, former WBC light welterweight champion Regis Prograis, last December to dethrone him. That knockdown was the flash variety of Haney catching Prograis with a shot he wasn’t expecting. He wasn’t hurt.
Haney’s Power in Question
- Hearn used Haney’s knockdown of Regis Prograis as an example of his power. That was a flash knockdown, though.
- Haney hasn’t knocked out an opponent in his last eight fights, dating back to 2019. That’s a long time for a fighter to go between knockouts.
- Draining effects: Haney driving down from 170 to 140 could take a lot out of him, leaving a weakened fighter against Ryan. Even if Haney rehydrates 25-30 lbs, he could weakened.
Hearn didn’t mention the possibility of Haney being drained for the fight. He’s already looking painfully thin as he begins cutting weight to reach 140.
Haney rehydrates to 165-170, so it could take something out of him, making weight for this fight, which could affect his power.
Ryan’s Strategy and Preparation
“I think he’s going to be very dominant in the fight. You don’t really know where Ryan is at, but if Ryan is at his best, he’s going to be competitive,” said Eddie Hearn to Fight Hub TV, discussing the Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia fight on April 20th.
“He can punch hard and has good reactions,” Hearn continued about Ryan. “He actually has a good style to take on Devin Haney. But Devin is so focused, so razor-sharp. I think he’s much better at 140 lbs.
“I expect him to win the rounds and break him down. I do think he’ll stop Ryan Garcia in New York. I do. I’m very confident. He had Regis [Prograis] down and hurt,” Hearn said about Haney. “He’s molding into 140 lbs. He punches a lot harder, his timing is good, and if Ryan gets desperate and makes mistakes, he’s going to land flush.
“If he does, we’ll see how good the preparation is for Ryan Garcia. I personally believe he’ll stop Ryan Garcia. It depends on the fight that Ryan Garcia fights. If he’s cagy, maybe not, but if he’s aggressive, which he has to be in this fight, then there’s every chance he can get stopped,” said Hearn.
When asked if Ryan can outbox Haney, Hearn shook his head and smiled.
