.png)
Devin Haney (31-0, 15 KOs), the undefeated lightweight champion, is set to hold an open workout this Friday, January 10th, in London, England. This bold move could signal the start of Haney’s efforts to build his brand across the pond, likely setting the stage for a future fight against one of the UK's top fighters. However, this could be a risky gamble given Haney’s current standing among British boxing fans and the aftermath of his last bout against Ryan Garcia.
Why the UK?
Haney’s decision to focus on the UK market could stem from his limited opportunities in the United States. Beyond a lucrative rematch with Ryan Garcia, his options for big fights on home soil seem sparse. His loss to Garcia on April 20th last year in Brooklyn, New York—a devastating defeat where he was dropped six times—tarnished his reputation domestically. Expanding his reach internationally might be his best bet to revive his career and secure meaningful fights. While Garcia did test positive for a banned substance which tuned Haney's loss into a no-contest win. Erasing the L off his record. Many still believe his field of competition back home is bleak.
Potential Opponents in the UK
The most logical UK opponent for Haney is Jack Catterall. However, Catterall’s lack of star power in both the UK and the US presents a significant challenge. Promoted by Eddie Hearn, Catterall might be a convenient option, but the fight’s marketability remains questionable.
If Turki Al-Shiekh and the Saudi boxing scene are willing to host Haney vs. Catterall on one of their Riyadh Season cards, this could offer Haney a substantial payday. For Haney, the matchup would be ideal—Catterall’s lack of power makes it a winnable fight, and a win could provide some much-needed momentum.
Upcoming Fight on BLK Prime
Haney is reportedly set to return to the ring on March 25th in a BLK Prime pay-per-view event. While his opponent hasn’t been confirmed, Tevin Farmer and Adrien Broner have emerged as rumored possibilities. Both options come with their own set of challenges and implications for Haney’s career trajectory:
Adrien Broner: A fight against the former four-division world champion Broner would be a mismatch. Broner has been a shadow of his former self, with recent social media posts raising serious questions about his fitness and readiness to compete. If Haney chooses Broner, it would appear as a desperate attempt to secure an easy victory. Broner’s current state makes this matchup almost unwatchable for serious boxing fans.
Tevin Farmer: Southpaw Tevin Farmer (33-7-1, 8 KOs) poses a much more significant threat. Despite his relatively modest record, Farmer’s recent performance against highly ranked lightweight contender William Zepeda demonstrated his high skill level. Farmer narrowly lost a split decision in that fight but managed to drop Zepeda, showcasing his power and ring IQ. Although Haney would have a size advantage, Farmer’s skillset and experience could make this a dangerous fight, especially given Haney’s shaky performance against Garcia.
Reinvention or Misstep? Devin Haney -
Haney’s attempts to reinvent himself in the UK could pay dividends, especially if he can secure a dominant win over a British fighter. However, his popularity—both in the UK and the US—remains a significant hurdle. The aftermath of his defeat to Garcia has left fans questioning his ability to compete at the highest level.
If Haney can navigate these challenges and make the right moves, his UK venture could mark the beginning of a successful second act in his career. But if he stumbles—either in his choice of opponents or his performances—it might only deepen the doubts surrounding his future in the sport.
As we await his next steps, one thing is certain: Devin Haney has a lot to prove, and time is running out to solidify his place among boxing’s elite.
FIGHT.TV is here for it!
Comments