Devin Haney (29-0, 15 KOs), the undisputed 135-lb champion, has announced his intention to stay at the lightweight level only long enough to secure a few more fights against Gervonta “Tank” Davis (29-0, 27 KOs) and Shakur Stevenson (20-0, 10 KOs). After his upcoming bout against Vasily Lomachenko (17-2, 11 KOs) on May 20th at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Haney will decide whether to remain at the lightweight level. Haney’s recent size has raised doubts about his ability to maintain the 135-lb limit without being weight drained and vulnerable.
In a recent interview with ESPN Deportes, Haney stated, “That’s a huge fight. A guy like Stevenson, Tank, or Ryan is the only way I would stay at 135. That depends on how I feel on May 20th. How successful I am in the weight class, and then we’ll go from there.” Haney’s strategy to stay at 135 for two more fights to face Tank and Shakur makes sense; however, if he cannot secure a fight against Gervonta next, he should move up to 140, as his chances of success against Shakur Stevenson are minimal, especially if he’s weight drained.
Haney, who has been at 135 since he was 16, commented on his future plans, saying, “The only way I stay at 135 is for a guy like Stevenson, a guy like Tank or Ryan. I don’t plan on being here much longer. This is my first weight class.” He added, “It all depends on how I feel on May 20th. Of course, I’ve got the best team in boxing. I’ve got a great nutritionist, and I’m taking all the right steps to make it successful, but you never know until you get in that ring.”
In addition to the weight concerns, Haney will need to adapt his fighting style against Lomachenko, who is known for escaping clinches like a modern-day Houdini. Haney cannot rely on the same tactics he used to defeat George Kambosos Jr. twice by jabbing from a distance and tying him up in a clinch. It remains to be seen how this fight will unfold, as both fighters bring unique skills and motivations to the ring.
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