“He Don’t Have Chin”: Devin Haney Told to “Make the Sacrifice” by Coming Down at 135 After Ryan Garcia Debacle
As the dust settles from his recent clash with Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney finds himself at a crossroads in his career. The former undisputed lightweight champion faced criticism following his majority decision loss to Garcia, with many questioning Haney’s strategy and resilience in the ring. Now, voices from within the boxing community, including former champion Jorge Linares, are urging Haney to reconsider his weight class and make a strategic shift back to 135 pounds.
The debate surrounding Haney’s future intensifies as opinions vary on whether his skills are best suited for the lightweight division or if a move to light welterweight was premature. Linares, known for his outspoken views and extensive career spanning multiple weight classes, emphasized the importance of sacrifice and adaptation in boxing. In a recent interview, Linares stated, “He don’t have a chin. Ryan Garcia have better chin than Haney, and Ryan have punch, but Haney don’t have chin, don’t have chin and don’t have punch; that’s that’s different, different difficult situation for him right now.”
“The new generation they don’t thinking too much to make the way to make the sacrifice. You know, boxing is different right now than before, so but that situation with Ryan Garcia, what I can say that’s not no professional, you know, doping-weighing,” he said.
Jorge Linares explained, “He don’t have a chin. Ryan Garcia have better chin than Haney, and Ryan have punch, but Haney don’t have chin, don’t have chin and don’t have punch; that’s that’s different, different difficult situation for him right now.”
The Division (Alarm) Bell for Devin Haney
Linares’ remarks underscore concerns about Haney’s ability to withstand heavy hitters in the light welterweight division. Despite Haney’s technical prowess and achievements in the lightweight ranks, questions linger about his durability and punch resistance against stronger opponents. Critics point to his recent bout with Garcia as evidence that Haney may be outmatched in the higher weight class.
Jorge Linares, reflecting on his own career trajectory and strategic decisions, suggested that Haney’s return to lightweight could offer him a better chance at reclaiming his championship status. “You need to make the sacrifice to lose weight, and when you make that sacrifice, you can have more chance to to to to win the fight,” Linares remarked, highlighting the discipline required to succeed in competitive boxing.
Linares highlighted, “You need to make the sacrifice to lose weight, and when you make that sacrifice, you can have more chance to to to to win the fight.”

Strategic Shift and End Up Facing Giants?
Haney, at 25, faces pivotal decisions that could shape the trajectory of his career in the coming years. With formidable competitors like Gervonta Davis and emerging talents such as Shakur Stevenson and William Zepeda dominating the lightweight scene, a return to 135 pounds could offer Haney new opportunities and compelling matchups.
The prospect of a rematch with Ryan Garcia looms large in Haney’s future plans, adding further intrigue to his decision-making process. As discussions within the boxing community intensify, speculation mounts over Haney’s next move and whether he will heed Linares’ advice to prioritize weight class compatibility over immediate challenges.
Prediction: Career Crossroads
Amidst the uncertainties and strategic deliberations, Devin Haney’s journey continues to captivate boxing enthusiasts worldwide. His resilience and determination to bounce back from setbacks will be put to the test as he navigates the complexities of professional boxing. Whether Haney opts to return to familiar territory at lightweight or persists in the light welterweight division remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his next steps will be scrutinized under the spotlight of high expectations and competitive scrutiny.
