Devin Haney Announces March Return: “I’m Back!”
Devin Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) has officially confirmed that he will be returning to the ring in March after an extended 11-month hiatus. While Haney has not disclosed who his opponent will be, he clarified that it won’t be Ryan Garcia, as Garcia’s suspension doesn’t end until April. This news comes after Haney’s lengthy absence due to the PED scandal involving Garcia, who tested positive for Ostarine following their April 2024 fight. The lawsuit filed by Haney against Garcia for the alleged drug violation is still ongoing.
Who Will Be Haney’s Next Opponent?
Fans are eagerly awaiting news of Haney’s opponent for his return fight. There’s heavy speculation that Haney could face Ryan Garcia or a high-profile 140-pounder like Alberto Puello, Teofimo Lopez, Sandor Martin, or Rolly Romero. However, given Haney’s time off, a tune-up fight seems more likely to allow him to regain his rhythm and conditioning. A fight against an experienced but less dangerous puncher could help Haney get back into top form before taking on a more formidable opponent with knockout power.
Despite the buzz surrounding potential matchups with big names, it’s uncertain who Haney’s father and trainer, Bill Haney, will ultimately choose as his son’s comeback opponent. After Haney’s brutal three-knockdown loss to Garcia, it’s critical for Haney to approach his return with caution, prioritizing his health and recovery over an immediate title shot.
Why Haney Needs a Tune-Up Fight
Haney’s long layoff and the tough loss to Garcia makes it crucial for him to take it slow. A fight with a lesser puncher will give Haney a chance to rebuild his confidence and regain his rhythm in the ring. With the pressure of coming back after nearly a year off, it’s clear that Haney needs to avoid putting his chin at risk against a hard-hitting opponent just yet. The risk of rushing back into a big fight too soon could hinder his future career.
One potential opponent for Haney’s tune-up fight could be George Kambosos Jr., who has already been defeated by Haney twice in dominant fashion. While Kambosos would present little threat to Haney’s chin, it would offer him a safe and relatively easy win to reestablish his dominance at lightweight. However, because they have already fought twice, fans may not be as excited to see them meet again.
The Impact of Haney’s Return on Boxing’s 140-Pound Division
Haney’s return is a major event for the 140-pound division, which has seen a rise in talent in recent years. Whether he stays at lightweight (135 lbs) or moves up to light welterweight (140 lbs), his comeback will make waves in a division that’s already stacked with competitive contenders. Haney’s size and frame suggest that moving down to lightweight may give him a tactical advantage, as he won’t have to face the added challenges of bigger opponents at 140 lbs or 147 lbs.
Will Haney’s March Return Be a Success?
As Devin Haney eyes his return in March, it’s clear that he is determined to shake off the controversy and setbacks of the past year. His fans are eager to see how he performs after such a long layoff and whether he can reclaim his status among boxing’s elite fighters. No matter who his opponent turns out to be, Haney’s next steps in the ring will be crucial to his legacy.
