What’s Next For Devin Haney?

Devin Haney defeated Jose Ramirez in his first fight since the Ryan Garcia fight, raising questions about his next steps. 

Haney had plenty to prove coming into this fight, as he was facing questions over his mindset. He suffered a majority decision defeat against Garcia last year, only for the result to become a no-contest once Ryan failed VADA tests for Ostarine. However, Haney took a significant amount of damage in the fight. He was dropped three times and hit repeatedly with that same left hook when he had previously referred to Garcia as being a one-trick pony. 

Haney’s camp justified the result by arguing that things were not on an even playing field. They believed that it would have been different if Ryan had no PEDs in his system. The natural move is to rematch Ryan. However, that may not happen after Ryan suffered a shock loss to Rolando Romero. 

Haney’s Options

Alternatively, Haney could pursue a title in a third weight class at 147. Mario Barrios is seen as one of the weaker champions in the division. He currently holds the WBC Welterweight Title, as he secured a draw in his last fight against Abel Ramos. He has been linked with a fight against Haney previously. Barrios also has defeats against Keith Thurman at 147, whilst he also came up short against Gervonta Davis at 140. Haney will back himself to come out with a win. However, it appears he will rematch Manny Pacquiao following reports he will return.

There is also another opportunity to face off against Conor Benn. Benn and Haney have previously fired verbal shots at each other. Things were exacerbated when Benn was dealing with his legal case following his failed VADA tests for Clomiphene. Benn showed a lot of resilience in his last fight against Chris Eubank Jr., even if he came up short with a loss. He lasted the distance in a thrilling fight. Although Benn could rematch Eubank, he has indicated he is a 147 fighter, paving the way for that fight. Since Haney and Benn have good ties with Matchroom, that fight could easily be made. 

There is also a chance to face off against Teofimo Lopez. Lopez and Haney have had a rivalry stretching back to their days at 135 pounds. Lopez was the former unified champion at 135, while Haney became undisputed at lightweight. They never crossed paths. However, since they both fought on the same card, there is an opportunity to make that fight if Lopez goes up to 147. Haney has a variety of options moving forward.