THE EXCITING LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION

The fight on everyone’s lips right now is Ryan Garcia vs Devin Haney. ‘The Dream’ told Fino Boxing his number 1 pick is Ryan Garcia and on paper, this should be the easiest of the lot to make with both men fighting under DAZN. However, when the pair met in the ring after Garcia’s sensational 80 second knockout of Francisco Fonseca, it became apparent that the fight is going to be further down the line. Garcia said “Lets get it on! I had a plan for 2020 and that was to shock the world, so I’m about to shock the world…beat Linares, beat Luke Campbell, beat Gervonta Davis then I’m going after Devin.” Haney immediately replied “You see how he said Devin Haney last? He knows I’m the best fighter in the world, lets make the fight happen, NOW!”

Haney and his father confronted Goldenboy’s Bernard Hopkins asking why his name was mentioned last, to which BHOP admitted, he is the best out of the list of fighters and so that’s why he’ll have to wait.

After Haney was made ‘champion in recess’ by the WBC for his shoulder injury, Britain’s Luke Campbell and Dominican Republic’s Javier Fortuna will face off for the vacant title and promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed the fight will take place at New York’s MSG in April.

Mikey Garcia’s name was thrown into the mix by Devin Haney’s father if moving up to 140 is the only available option. Devin Haney has repeatedly said he wants to make the big fights happen at 135 and has threatened to move up to 140 if nothing materialises. Mikey, who is also with Matchroom faces Jessie Vargas in a welterweight contest on February 29 (live on DAZN & Sky Sports) reacted positively to the call out saying “Hell yeah, why not… It’s a good match-up!”. The pair even faced off for pictures with Haney looking considerably taller than 32 year old Garcia.

Another name recently linked with Haney is Adrien Broner, who hasn’t fought in over a year since his loss to Manny Pacquiao and hasn’t fought at 135 since 2013. AB messaged Haney’s promoter Eddie Hearn last week saying, “Listen, give me $20 million and I will make 135 and f*ck up Devin Haney!” This is a potential fight that Hearn will be keen on making, adding a good name to Haney’s resume and attracting good numbers to the DAZN platform.

There’s a whole lot of talking going on right now in the exciting lightweight division but we are yet to see big fights being confirmed. Bob Arum is hoping to officially announce P4P star Lomachenko vs up and coming fan favourite, Teofimo Lopez this week which is expected to take place at MSG on May 30, with all 4 belts and undisputed status up for grabs.
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Photographer – Hogan Photo’s