Devin Haney told His Excellency Turki Alalshikh on X that he’s interested in returning to the ring after a short layoff.
Turki told the former two-division world champion Haney, “Waiting for you in Riyadh.”
If Haney returns to the ring by October, he would be an ideal candidate for the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It wouldn’t be in the main event slot for Haney (31-0, 15 KOs). It would still be an excellent opportunity for him to be seen on this prestigious card, especially if he’s put in the co-feature position.
Outgrowing 140-lb Division
It’s believed that Haney will take a tune-up for his next fight, getting his feet wet at 147, because he’s outgrown the 140-lb division. He looked badly gaunt and skeletal, making weight for his last two fights against Ryan Garcia and Regis Prograis at light welterweight.
There was a report that Haney rehydrated to 165 lbs for the Prograis fight, an absurd number for a fighter competing in the 140-lb division.
Haney posted on X, saying the “game ain’t been the same” since his last fight against Ryan Garcia on April 20th. He lost that fight, but the New York State Athletic Commission overturned the defeat and changed it to a no-contest because Ryan tested positive for a banned substance.
Pursuit of Mega-Wealth
Haney says he wants to be one of the sport’s mega-rich fighters, and his dad, Bill Haney, talks of wanting to live in the beautiful Hamptons on Long Island, where the Billionaire’s Lane is located.
For Haney to live in an affluent area, like the Hamptons or Beverly Hills Gateway, he’s got to change his fighting style and return to the pure boxing style that he used to defeat Regis Prograis in 2023. Haney lacks the power or the chin to brawl with his opponents as he attempted against Ryan Garcia last April.
If Haney moves up to 147, he must focus on starting from the bottom against non-punchers before he takes on one of the sluggers, like Brian Norman Jr. or Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. We don’t know if Haney’s punch resistance has been impacted by his fight with Ryan, which saw him get dropped six times, with the referee only counting three.
The game ain’t been the same.. bout time I come back
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) August 14, 2024
I gave yall 3 months..
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) August 14, 2024
I would say the come back.. but I never left.. see you soon brother 🤲🏽🔜 https://t.co/ugIfkiEdwA
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) August 14, 2024
👀🤲🏽 https://t.co/hj9qXkUmsN
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) August 14, 2024
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