In his next fight, Devin Haney is looking to become a two-division world champion at just 24-years-old.
The feat – especially after becoming undisputed at lightweight – would force fans and pundits to consider him amongst the very best in the sport, that is if they aren’t already.
But who does he consider to be top of the much-debated, often-dismissed pound-for-pound rankings?
Most have Terence Crawford at number one following his win over longtime rival, Errol Spence Jr, earlier this year. It made ‘Bud’ two-time undisputed and three-weight champion.
Haney has him up there, but he gives the top spot to Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez – a man who has been a steady presence on these lists but has perhaps taken a hit in recent years due to a loss to Dmitry Bivol and some underwhelming performances.
Speaking on the MMA Hour, ‘The Dream’ said Canelo’s search for greatness sets him apart.
“I got him as number two behind Canelo … Canelo’s just going up different weight classes and daring to be great. [Crawford] did too, but not as many.”
Crawford is of course eyeing more gold in higher divisions before he retires, and has even called for a shot at Canelo’s four belts at super-middleweight – that would be one way to get above him on this particular list.
Whilst paying respect to Naoya Inoue – the man many people have up beside Crawford at the top – Haney said the Stephen Fulton and Nonito Donaire wins were the only standout names for the four-weight world champion from Japan.
“He’s good, only thing about it is – I like Inoue, I respect his game – I don’t know a lot of people that he’s fought to be honest. I understand what he’s doing. What he’s doing with them is not easy. I don’t care who you are, whoever gets in the ring, knocking them out is not easy.”
Inoue has had ten world title wins, only one of which was for a vacant belt.
Haney also considers undefeated heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, in his top three.
Should the 24-year-old keep winning, he’ll be adding to his own case to be at the top of the pound-for-pound conversation. The first step in doing so is beating WBC Champion Regis Prograis this December in his first fight at super-lightweight.