Light welterweight contender Jamaine Ortiz recently expressed doubts about Devin Haney’s return to boxing in 2024 following his defeat to Ryan Garcia in New York.
Ortiz believes that Haney, after absorbing significant punishment from Garcia, a renowned power puncher, may need considerable time to recover and speculated that Haney might not fight again until the first quarter of the next year. Ortiz noted that the bout probably should have been stopped sooner, particularly in the seventh round when Haney was visibly struggling and only stayed in the fight due to a point deduction against Garcia.
Ortiz also commented on Haney's mental state, suggesting that Haney might find it challenging to view himself as a champion unless he reassures himself despite the loss. He implied that Haney could rationalize the defeat by considering it a catchweight fight, thus preserving his confidence and title claims at 140 lbs.
This perspective, according to Ortiz, would allow Haney to maintain his championship identity without bearing the full brunt of the loss.
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