Bob Arum Tells Devin Haney to Move to Welterweight after Garcia Loss!
Veteran boxing promoter Bob Arum has given young American boxing phenom Devin Haney a piece of his mind following his recent upset loss. “Move to welterweight,” Arum strongly advised the lightweight champion.
When it comes to sage advice in the boxing world, it doesn’t get much more authoritative than 89-year-old Arum – the man who promoted the likes of Muhammad Ali, Manny Pacquiao, and Floyd Mayweather Jr. The experienced promoter strongly believes that Devin Haney could maximize his talents in a heavier weight class.
Haney has been a force to reckon with in the lightweight division. However, his loss to Ryan Garcia came as a jolting wakeup call, stirring the entire boxing community. It was the first loss in Haney’s professional boxing career, and it instigated much concern about his current weight class suitability.
Arum’s advice stems from his wealth of experience, observing countless fighters rise and fall throughout their careers. He believes a shift in weight class could provide the much-needed impetus to propel Haney back into the championship position.
“Haney is a good, skilled boxer,” Arum acknowledged, adding, “But he doesn’t seem to carry his power into the later rounds. Making 135 lbs could be taking more out of him than it’s worth.”
The world-renowned promoter further noted the immense talent the 22-year-old possesses. According to Arum, if utilised rightly, Haney has the potential to dominate the welterweight division of the sport.
A key element of Haney’s allure is his spectacular fisticuffs that sets him apart from other fighters in his ecosystem. His speed, nimbleness, and finesse on the ring have earned him a remarkable reputation. However, the problem arises when he has to face more powerful opponents who can weather his initial onslaught and bring the fight to the later rounds.
“If he moved up to 140 or even 147 lbs, we might see a more powerful Haney,” Arum suggested. Recognizing Haney’s talent, he emphasised that a move to welterweight could bring out a fighter who can effectively blend strength with his already phenomenal speed and skill.
Arum’s theorization is not entirely baseless. Boxing history is replete with instances where fighters have moved to higher weight classes and gone on to achieve remarkable success. Among the notable fighters to have successfully made this transition include Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, and more recently, Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford.
Arum also pointed to the recent success of undisputed junior welterweight champion, Josh Taylor. The Scottish prizefighter became undisputed champion in his division after moving up from lightweight, and according to Arum, Haney may fare well following a similar path.
At a still-tender 22 years of age, Haney has a plethora of opportunities in front of him, and altering his weight class might prove to be a potentially game-changing decision. It is also worth noting that Haney started his professional career at super featherweight and has already moved up once to lightweight.
After the unexpected loss to Garcia, Haney agreed that he is ready for some changes. Taking the advice of the ever-insightful Arum, we might witness a significant reinvention in the bright young boxer. Only time will tell if moving up to the welterweight division will prove beneficial for Devin Haney’s career. Guided by his undeniable talent and a willingness to adapt, this shift might be the change Haney needs to boost his boxing prowess.
