Few in boxing have suffered a more catastrophic 2024 than Devin Haney, beginning the year as a pound-for-pound contender and ending it with a dented reputation and ongoing legal procedures. However, the 25-year-old may well have the perfect opportunity to re-announce his talents to the boxing universe, as he lines up a mega-fight against Teofimo Lopez ahead of his comeback.
Haney became the youngest undisputed male champion of the four-belt era when he twice defeated George Kambosos Jr. in 2022 to first win and then defend the coveted lightweight marbles.
In the year that followed, ‘The Dream’ scored a controversial win over legendary fan-favourite Vasyl Lomachenko but issues making the 135lb limit saw Haney then vacate his world titles in pursuit of a move up to the super-lightweight division.
On his debut at the weight, Devin Haney became a two-division world champion as he whitewashed WBC title-holder Regis Prograis in an extremely dominant and authoritative display that proved the youngster to be wise beyond his years.
Although, little could have prepared him for what came next.
Haney went into an all-American showdown against Ryan Garcia, and after a confusing build-up that that included Garcia missing weight, ‘King Ry’ went on to floor Haney on three occasions before claiming an upset majority-decision win.
Yet, the drama wasn’t done there, as it was discovered that Garcia had tested positive for a banned substance named Ostarine on both the day of the weigh-in and on the day of the fight – eventually resulting in that result being overturned to a no-contest, reinstating Haney’s undefeated record.
In the months that have passed, Haney has vacated his WBC super-lightweight title and has now taken legal action against Garcia, with his promising boxing career completely derailed by their April encounter.
Now, the Californian technician hopes to get back on track and is hoping to end what will be his longest spell of inactivity since turning professional by jumping into a mega-fight with WBO super-lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez, as per Forbes.
“According to sources I spoke to with direct knowledge, Haney is negotiating to face Teofimo Lopez in his return bout. The source didn’t share dates or money, but Haney and Lopez would headline a massive card in 2025 if the fight is agreed to.
“The card would be broadcast on ESPN and promoted by Top Rank.”
Like Haney, Teofimo Lopez boasts a career-best win over Lomachenko but has proven to be an inconsistent fighter in the outings that followed.
‘The Takeover’ lost his belts to Kambosos in a shock result but then dazzled on the big stage when he dethroned Josh Taylor at 140lbs three fights later.
Since defeating ‘The Tartan Tornado’ to become a world champion once again, Lopez has underwhelmed in two title defences against Jamaine Ortiz and Steve Claggett but a clash with Haney may well bring the best out of the New Yorker once again.
Despite being the champion at super-lightweight, there is no guarantee that Lopez-Haney would take place with the title on the line or even at that weight, after both men have threatened to move up to welterweight division in recent months.
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