“As Devin Haney prepares for his return to the ring, the spotlight turns to potential opponents. With his first fight since the loss to Ryan Garcia on the horizon, let’s explore the top candidates for Haney’s comeback and what each matchup could mean for his future”
After a significant hiatus following his defeat to Ryan Garcia in April, Devin Haney is set to make his return to the ring before the year ends. The bout is expected to take place on one of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh’s high-profile events in Saudi Arabia, marking Haney’s first appearance since his loss.
Michael McKinson: As Haney gears up for his comeback, selecting the right opponent is crucial. Given Haney’s recent struggle, it seems likely that his team will opt for a less dangerous fighter to ensure a smooth return. Michael McKinson, a British welterweight with a record of 26-1, is emerging as a potential choice. Known for his technical skills rather than knockout power, McKinson could provide a relatively safe match for Haney to gauge his recovery and resilience.
Chris Mannix of DAZN suggests McKinson as a fitting opponent, noting, “Michael McKinson is like the 147-pound version of Sandor Martin. He’s skilled but lacks the power to seriously threaten Haney.” Despite McKinson’s tricky style, which could pose challenges if the fight drags into the later rounds, his light punches might not exploit any lingering weaknesses in Haney’s defense.
Alexis Rocha: Another potential opponent, Alexis Rocha, presents a more formidable challenge due to his punching power. Rocha, known for his knockout ability, could pose a significant risk to Haney, especially given the latter’s recent battle with Garcia. Choosing Rocha might not be the wisest decision for Haney’s first fight back, considering the potential danger involved.
Mannix cautions against Rocha, stating, “While Rocha is a viable option, his power makes him a risky choice for Haney’s return. A safer bet would be McKinson, who doesn’t have the same knockout threat.”
Future Prospects and Big Fights: Looking beyond the immediate comeback, Haney’s future could be bright with the right moves. A successful return against a lower-tier opponent could set the stage for a significant fight in early 2025. Names like Mario Barrios could be in the mix, with Haney potentially facing off against him or another top contender soon after his comeback.
Mannix highlights the potential for a rematch with Ryan Garcia, should Haney secure a title against a notable opponent. “A title win against someone like Barrios or Stanionis would make a rematch with Garcia even bigger. Devin is eager to settle the score, and a title win could set up an exciting showdown.”
Closing statement: Devin Haney’s return to the ring is highly anticipated, and selecting the right opponent will be crucial to his success. While Michael McKinson appears to be a safe choice, a match against Alexis Rocha could add a level of risk. Regardless, Haney’s comeback is set to pave the way for exciting future matchups and potential title fights.
