16 February 2024 , 11:38
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After sharing the spoils in six amateur bouts, Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia finally get to settle the argument in a professional ring.
Haney defends his WBC super lightweight title against Garcia in Las Vegas in April, a fight that will go some way to defining both careers. Though both are still young at 25, Haney has forged ahead as an unbeaten world champion. Garcia has yet to contest a world title fight and has one devastating loss to Gervonta Davis on his record.
You have to give the champion the edge but Garcia has guts, contrary to the claims of his detractors, including Haney. He also has a wicked left hook. Haney is bound to play on that defeat to Davis, and the body shot that did it for Garcia. Haney says he quit, and moreover, that the impulse to do so is now part of his fighting DNA.
I beg to differ. And I’m pretty sure Garcia will use all the barbs coming his way in the build-up as fuel in the fight. One thing is certain, the professional ring is a different space to the amateur version. Whatever Haney thinks he learned about Garcia will be of little use over 12 rounds.
As well as a fantastic left hook, Garcia can bang with the right hand too. We saw that up close against Luke Campbell at 135 pounds three years ago.
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He got off the deck in the second round to stop Campbell in the seventh. He did not look like a quitter that night.
Though Haney has had some high profile wins against George Kambosos, Vasyl Lomachenko and Regis Prograis. It was close against Loma. I thought Loma edged it, but Haney got the decision. Haney is a sharp hitter, but not heavy handed.
Ryan Garcia is congratulated by Oscar De La Hoya (Getty Images)He is too conscious of being hit to sit down on his punches. Garcia hits harder. He’s a bit upright. I would like to see better upper body movement with him, but he has the tools to win if he can back up Haney and let his hands go. If he does that Haney will feel the heat.
We are looking at both these guys as potential opponents for our European super lightweight champion Adam Azim. I think he has a chance with any of these guys. Come October or November he will be ready to fight for a world title.
What a moment it would be were he to land in Las Vegas against a Haney or a Garcia. Nights like that are what we are all here for.
Follow Barry on Twitter at @ClonesCyclone @McGuigans_Gym