Trainer Robert Garcia has suggested that Devin Haney should consider taking an easy tune-up fight before the end of the year, rather than jumping into a tough battle or facing his WBC mandatory challenger Sandor Martin. According to Garcia, Haney needs to come back slowly from his recent loss to Ryan Garcia and focus on rebuilding his confidence and skillset.
Garcia believes that Haney has the potential to beat Ryan Garcia in a rematch, but he needs to prepare adequately with a good game plan and quality sparring partners. Haney suffered six knockdowns in the fight against Ryan, with only three being officially counted by the referee. This indicates that Haney was in serious trouble and might not be ready for a high-stakes rematch just yet.
Permission from the WBC
In order for Haney to pursue a tune-up fight instead of facing his mandatory challenger, the World Boxing Council (WBC) will need to grant him permission to deviate from the usual protocol. Considering that the WBC allowed Haney to keep his title after the loss to Ryan, there may be a chance for Haney to seek an exception for a tune-up fight before facing Sandor Martin.
Garcia emphasized the importance of timing for a potential rematch between Haney and Garcia, suggesting that it should take place in the summer of next year. He believes that a rematch would be competitive and challenging for both fighters, with Haney having a shot at redemption if he approaches the fight strategically.
Weakness in Punch Resistance
One major concern highlighted by Garcia is Haney’s weak punch resistance, which has been evident since his fight against Jorge Linares in 2021 and further exposed in the bout against Ryan. Garcia predicts that in a rematch, Haney might struggle to withstand Ryan’s powerful left hooks, putting him at a significant disadvantage.
Garcia also criticized the WBC’s handling of title fights and potential vacancies, expressing his belief that a title should be vacant if the champion fails to make weight or loses the fight. He suggests that Haney’s title should have been vacated after the loss to Ryan, emphasizing the need for a fair and consistent approach to championship rules.
Trainer Robert Garcia’s insights shed light on the challenges and considerations facing Devin Haney as he plans his next moves in the boxing world. Haney’s decision to pursue a tune-up fight, seek approval from the WBC, and address his vulnerabilities will all play a crucial role in determining his future success in the ring. As Haney navigates his comeback journey, he will need to heed the advice of his trainer and develop a strategic plan to reclaim his position as a top contender in the lightweight division.