Devin Haney Criticized by Jorge Linares: Time to Return to 135 lbs?
Devin Haney’s latest ring performance against Ryan Garcia has sparked a whirlwind of speculation and criticism. Former champion Jorge Linares has voiced a scathing opinion, suggesting that Haney lacks the toughness required for the 140-pound division and should consider moving back to 135 lbs.
Haney’s Dilemma: What’s Next After the Garcia Debacle?
Following a contentious majority decision loss to Ryan Garcia on April 20, Devin Haney’s future in boxing seems uncertain. Despite retaining his WBC light welterweight title, Haney’s performance has been widely criticized. Many fans and analysts believe his technical skills couldn’t withstand Garcia’s relentless left hooks, which exposed a significant vulnerability in Haney’s armor.
“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’ Tough Love: A Call for Sacrifice
Jorge Linares, a seasoned veteran of the sport, didn’t hold back in his assessment. When asked about Haney’s position in the 140-pound division, Linares bluntly stated that Haney should return to the 135 lbs class. “Haney, I honestly think he should come down. He needs to come to 135 it’s for the best. So many boxers at 140 punch harder than him and he don’t have a chin,” Linares declared.
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.”
Linares’ critique extends beyond just Haney. He expressed frustration with the new generation of boxers, accusing them of lacking the dedication and willingness to make sacrifices necessary for success. “The new generation they don’t think too much to make the way to make the sacrifice. Boxing is different right now than before,” Linares remarked, underscoring his point with a stern look at the current state of the sport.
The Weight of History: Linares’ Own Journey
Drawing from his own career, Linares shared how he transitioned between weight classes, often at great personal cost. He recalled his move from 136 pounds down to 120, then back up to lightweight, and his ill-fated attempt at light welterweight. “You need to make the sacrifice to lose weight, and when you make that sacrifice, you can have more chance to win the fight,” he emphasized.
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.”
Haney’s Career Crossroads: Strategic Choices Ahead
Haney’s path forward is fraught with challenges. If he heeds Linares’ advice and returns to 135 lbs, he would face formidable opponents like Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson, and rising star William Zepeda. Each presents a unique threat, but also an opportunity for redemption and resurgence.
Alternatively, staying at 140 lbs means confronting the heavy hitters of the division. The question remains: does Haney have the resilience to withstand their power? Or will the sacrifices required for a return to 135 lbs reinvigorate his career?
Fan Reactions: Divided Opinions on Haney’s Future
The boxing community is abuzz with opinions. Some fans agree with Linares, believing Haney’s chin isn’t suited for the higher weight class. Others argue that with proper training and strategy, he can dominate at 140 lbs. The debate rages on, with Haney himself staying relatively silent on his next move.
Editor’s Take: A Moment of Reckoning for Haney
Devin Haney is at a critical juncture. The decision to move back to 135 lbs or stay at 140 lbs will define his legacy. His resilience, strategy, and ability to adapt will be tested like never before. The boxing world watches with bated breath, eager to see how ‘The Dream’ will script his comeback.
