Devin Haney’s clash with Ryan Garcia came with shock and drama both inside and outside of the ring. Now, as the former undisputed lightweight champion seeks to move on from that night in Brooklyn, it appears as though a return to the big stage is around the corner – although it seems set to take place outside of his home country.
After moving up from the lightweight scene, Haney looked phenomenal on his debut at 140lbs, whitewashing Regis Prograis to claim the WBC super-lightweight champion in a one-sided boxing clinic. However, his second fight at the weight did not go to plan, as Ryan Garcia beat him from pillar to post, dropping the champ for the first, second and third time of his career on his way to an astonishing majority-decision win which ended Haney’s 31-fight unbeaten streak, but only temporarily.
During the aftermath, it was revealed that Garcia had tested positive for a performance enhancing drug named Ostarine on both the day the day of the weigh-in and the day of the fight, eventually rendering the bout as a no-contest and reinstating Haney’s undefeated record.
Back in June, Haney made the decision to vacate his WBC super-lightweight title, which was not on the line against Garcia after the Californian missed weight, citing how he needed time away from boxing after all that had occurred.
Yet, just weeks after that decision, Haney is clearly dealing with a case of itchy-knuckle syndrome on his social media, he and Saudi boxing kingpin Turki Al-Alshikh spoke of a ring return in Riyadh.
I would say the come back.. but I never left.. see you soon brother 🤲🏽🔜 https://t.co/ugIfkiEdwA
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) August 14, 2024
DH: “The game ain’t been the same. Bout time I came back.”
TA: “Deliver the job champ.”
TA: “Waiting for you, in Riyadh”
DH: “I would say the come back, but I never left. See you soon brother.”
It remains to seen whether Haney will continue to campaign at 140lbs or make the jump up to welterweight given well-documented difficulties cutting weight, regardless of the fact that he was making 135lbs just 15 months ago.
At welterweight, Haney’s favourable position with the WBC (having been named as ‘champion in recess’) means that a world title shot against newly-crowned WBC champion Mario Barrios could be within touching distance.
Barrios was elevated from interim champion to full world champion in June, following Terence Crawford’s decision to move up to super-welterweight. The Texan had been linked for a first defence of the belt against the legendary Manny Pacquiao, but the eight-division world champion’s underwhelming performance in an exhibition against Rukiya Anpo has thrown doubt as to whether the 45-year-old’s comeback should happen, opening the door for Haney to swoop in and challenge Barrios.
As for super-lightweight, Alberto Puello and Sandor Martin are expected to go toe-to-toe to crown a new WBC title-holder, but Haney would have first refusal to fight the victor if he decides to continue in the division and attempt to reclaim his belt.
Boxing Social is now on WhatsApp! Join our channel by clicking here and getting all the latest boxing news direct to your phone.