Boxing’s lightweight division features some of the best fighters in the world.
A stacked division, the younger generation has made it exciting due to their overall skills and knockout power. It will be displayed prominently when WBA (Regular) lightweight champion Gervonta Davis faces Ryan Garcia on April 22.
Although a catchweight bout, the longtime lightweights with 45 combined knockouts in 51 fights compete in a highly-anticipated showdown. Airing on DAZN and Showtime PPV in the U.S., the bout inside the T-Mobile Arena featuring Garcia, 24, and Davis, 28, has been described as the fight to determine the face of boxing.
But what about the champion within the lightweight division, Devin Haney? Where does the undisputed lightweight champion fit into this, and what does he think about the tagline?
“That’s how they are selling the fight,” Haney told The Sporting News’ Andreas Hale. “If I was to be fighting either one of them guys next, they are going to say it’s for the face of boxing, and it’s the best fight in the last 50 years. That’s just part of the marketing strategy, and it is what it is. I don’t take it personal.”
MORE: Join DAZN to watch Davis vs. Garcia
Haney, 24, started boxing at seven and turned pro in 2015. He beat Zaur Abullaev in 2019 for the interim WBC lightweight title. Once promoted, the California-born fighter edged George Kambosos Jr. in 2022 to become the first undisputed lightweight champion in the four-belt era. He traveled twice to Australia to face Kambosos, using his crafty boxing skills to decimate his opponent at every turn.
“The Dream” competes in his biggest test in the ring, defending the belts against former lightweight king Vasiliy Lomachenko on May 20. Lomachenko, who halted his career to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression, is on a three-fight win streak and is one of the most decorated boxers out there. Not one to shy away from a challenge, Haney, the -260 favorite per Caesars, has had trouble reaching the top spot of several pound-for-pound rankings. A win here could change the minds of pundits everywhere.
“With the victory, they’ll be screaming my name,” Haney said. “They’ll be acknowledging how great I really am.”
MORE: Sign up to watch Devin Haney vs. Vasiliy Lomachenko on ESPN+
Davis vs. Garcia is unique, as it’s two young undefeated fighters looking to take out the other, all while holding the interest of the social media generation. If Garcia wins, Davis does have a rematch clause. However, regardless of the winner, if they stay at lightweight, they still have to deal with the one true champion in the division.
“They do have to go through me,” said Haney. “But at the end of the day, I know these fights are going to happen eventually. It’s just part of the fight game. No matter if Ryan wins or ‘Tank’ wins, eventually they’re going to need another opponent to fight, so it’s a part of boxing.”
Regarding the fight, Haney believes it is a 50-50 bout, and styles make fights. Like others, Haney wonders if the rehydration clause Davis had Garcia agree upon will play a factor.
MORE: Expert picks for Davis vs. Garcia
Through the week, Garcia, who has fought at 140 twice, expressed a desire to face Haney. He preferred it at 140 but understands Haney is the champion at 135. Regarding the chance to face Garcia, Haney wants to do whatever is best for his body, regardless of how much money a fight could produce.
“It’s definitely about staying undisputed,” Haney said. “But I still want to be healthy, I want to be strong, I want to be victorious in all my fights, so we’ll see how I feel on May 20, and that will determine if I stay at 135. It’s not about… money cannot make my body grow, feel weak, and not strong at the weight. It’s about my health, more importantly.”