Former undisputed super-lightweight champion Josh Taylor has offered his prediction ahead of Devin Haney’s first WBC title defence, where he takes on Ryan Garcia in two months’ time.
Taylor vacated the WBC title in 2022, only for it to be picked up by Regis Prograis, the man that he defeated for the belt three years prior.
‘Rougarou’ regained the title with a knockout win over Jose Zepeda, before a controversial victory over Danielito Zorrilla that was followed up by defeat to Haney in December, who became an undefeated two-division world champion in the process.
Now, ‘The Dream’ seeks to make his first defence of the WBC 140lb crown, and he has been tasked with pay-per-view superstar but world title hopeful Garcia, who is challenging for world honours for the first time despite his fame.
In an interview with Boxing News, Taylor told of his expectation that Haney will retain the belt, opting for skills over flashy speed.
“I think that they are two good fighters. Garcia has got the hand speed, not the best boxing IQ, but he is fast and he has got good timing with that left-hook and it’s quick. I just think that Devin Haney has got the better boxing skills and is more complete, he can move, defend or go on the offense as well and he is very clever.”
“His vision is great, his field of vision is great and he can read an opponent very well, he’s very good at reading an opponent and reading a fight, so I’m going to go with Devin Haney on this one.”
Haney-Garcia will take place in Brooklyn, New York on April 20th, whilst Taylor will meet his domestic rival Jack Catterall one week later in Leeds, with both events being available to watch live on DAZN.