Turki Alalshikh praised Devin Haney in social media after the announcement of his fight with the WBO WBO Master Brian Norman Jr. in November in Riyadh. Alalshikh said he likes Haney, he “Fight with anyone.”
Assessment of the Haney “Fight Nost” claim
Many fans do not agree with Turk in this matter. Haney showed us throughout his career that he was selective in the opponents he met. Vasily Lomachenko was the only talented warrior who fought at the age of 135, and his victory against him was seen by fans as highly controversial.
If Haney was ready to “fight with anyone”, why did he decide to face Jose Ramirez in May? With 31 fights as a professional, Haney should have been able to fight Gary Antuanne Russell and Alberto Puello.
Undefeated talents Haney missed
Gervonta Davis
Raymond Muratalla
Andy Cruz
Abdullah Mason
Ernesto Mercado
Haney’s fight with Brian Norman Jr. In 147 he is one of the infrequent in which he faces someone he will not be a favorite, and will not have the advantage. It is expected that this fight will be a mismatch, and Haney has been blown out of the water by Norman, who is at a different level in terms of talent.
It will be engaging whether Haney meets Turka’s praise that he is ready to “fight with anyone.” I see that Devin returns to how he was adapted.
Will Haney fight the upper welterweight?
If he really is willing to fight anyone, I would expect him to fight these three: 1. Shakhram Giyasov, 2. Karen Chukhadzhian and 3. Raul Curiel. These are the best fighters in the division below Norman Jr. I do not judge Rolando “Rolly” Romero, Ryan Garcia, Mario Barrios or Manny Pacquiao as one of the best at level 147.
We will probably see that Haney makes choices at the business level after the fight with Norman Jr. This means that he presses the rematch with Ryan Garcia, and also fights with Barrios, Pacquiao and Teofimo Lopez. He stays away from Curiel, Giyasov and Chukhadzhian.
When Haney (32-0, 15 KO) moved to 140, he fought with the faded Regis Prograis about his WBC belt instead of Subriel Matias or Teofimo Lopez. Why not them? Devin now leaves the division of 140 pounds, not fighting these talents:
Richardson Hitchins
Gary Antuanne Russell
Alberto Puello
Liam Paro