Devin Haney Aims for Redemption in Comeback Fight Against Ramirez
Haney (31-1, 15 KOs), the former undisputed lightweight champion, entered his clash with Garcia last year as the betting favourite but ended up suffering a unanimous decision defeat after being knocked down three times at Brooklyn's Barclays Center.
The lead-up to the contest was chaotic, with many questioning Garcia's mental readiness to fight—concerns that seemed justified when he arrived at the weigh-in three pounds over the junior-welterweight limit and holding a beer bottle.
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Although Garcia's win has since been overshadowed by a failed drug test, which removed the loss from Haney's official record, the lasting image of Haney rising from the canvas remains carved in memory.
The 26-year-old is gearing up to face Jose Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs) at a 144-pound catchweight in the co-main event of Ring Magazine's inaugural U.S. card, set for Friday night in Times Square. The event is in partnership with SNK Games, the creators of FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, and will be broadcast live on DAZN PPV.
Having previously become an undisputed champion at 135 and claimed a world title at 140, Haney is determined to show both fans and skeptics that he remains the same driven and ambitious fighter as he prepares for his comeback.
'I still got that hunger,' said Haney in an interview on Cigar Talk. 'I still want to prove myself, still wanna prove that I'm the best.'
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Devin Haney claims he's the best version of himself to date as he prepares for his welterweight debut this Friday against the 32-year-old Ramirez.
With Garcia taking on Rolly Romero in the main event, wins for both fighters could pave the way for a rematch later this year. Haney notes that his time away from the ring has been focused on refining his skills.
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