1. A Heavyweight Problem for Haney at 140
Jorge Linares, a former multi-weight world champion, has issued a stern warning to Devin Haney following his recent loss to Ryan Garcia. Linares believes that Haney’s future in boxing lies in returning to the 135-pound division. According to Linares, Haney lacks the necessary punch resistance and power to compete effectively at 140 pounds.
2. The Case for Returning to 135
Haney (31-1, 15 KOs) should consider moving back down to 135 pounds, where he previously found success. Linares argues that Haney was at his best in the lightweight division, and a return could help him rebuild his career. This move, however, would require Haney to make significant sacrifices in terms of weight management.
3. The Weight Management Challenge
One major obstacle for Haney in returning to 135 pounds is his tendency to gain weight between fights. Haney often appears significantly heavier when not in training camp, and he would need to adopt a disciplined approach to his diet and training regimen to make the lightweight limit consistently.
4. Reflecting on the Loss to Ryan Garcia
Haney’s loss to Ryan Garcia on April 20th, where he was dropped multiple times and ultimately lost by a 12-round majority decision, highlighted his vulnerabilities at 140 pounds. This performance underscored Linares’ point that Haney may struggle to compete with the top fighters in the super lightweight division.
5. The New Generation’s Struggles with Sacrifice
Linares also pointed out a broader issue within the current generation of boxers. He believes many young fighters lack the dedication to make the necessary sacrifices to compete at their optimal weight. Linares’ critique extends to Ryan Garcia, who failed to make weight for his fight against Haney, leading to questions about professionalism and discipline in the sport.
6. Opportunities Await at Lightweight
By returning to the 135-pound division, Haney could open the door to lucrative and high-profile matchups. Potential opponents include Gervonta “Tank” Davis, Vasily Lomachenko, and Shakur Stevenson. The lightweight division offers more opportunities for Haney compared to the super lightweight division, which Linares describes as a “dead division.”
7. The Issue of Punch Resistance
Linares emphasized that Haney’s lack of punch resistance and power at 140 pounds is a significant disadvantage. Haney’s struggles to withstand heavy punches from opponents in this weight class could jeopardize his career if he continues to compete at 140 or even considers moving up to 147 pounds.
8. The Importance of Discipline
For Haney to succeed at 135 pounds, he must adopt a disciplined lifestyle, controlling his weight year-round. Linares suggests that Haney could benefit from hiring a cook and a nutritionist to help manage his diet and ensure he stays close to his fighting weight between bouts.
9. Learning from Mistakes: Linares’ Own Experience
Linares drew from his own career experiences, acknowledging the challenges he faced when moving up to 140 pounds. He highlighted the differences in competition and the difficulties of fighting larger opponents. This personal insight underscores the importance of competing in a weight class that aligns with a boxer’s natural physique.
10. The Future for Devin Haney
Ultimately, Linares believes that Haney can still achieve great success if he returns to the lightweight division and maintains the necessary discipline. By doing so, Haney could regain his status as a top contender and secure high-profile fights that could define his legacy in the sport.
