“Having 0 inside game and resorting to clinching every time you’re close to your opponent only takes you so far; some guys just don’t get the right opponent as soon as others. I’m waiting.”

Haney fired back by pointing to what he has already accomplished in boxing despite the criticism.

“If it only takes u so far.. I came pretty damn far. Very few can say they did what I did so far at my age.”

The response comes as Haney continues to face debate over his style. While he became the undisputed lightweight champion and has held world titles in two weight classes, critics have long argued that his reliance on movement, jabbing and clinching becomes more pronounced against physically stronger opponents.

Haney, 27, remains the WBO welterweight champion and is under orders to defend his title against mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis. Negotiations are expected before the sanctioning body’s deadline, although Haney has also expressed interest in other lucrative fights, including a rematch with Ryan Garcia.

His post made clear that he views his resume, not stylistic preferences, as the ultimate answer to his critics.

The exchange also reflects the divide among fans. Supporters point to Haney’s championships and undefeated résumé, while detractors continue to cite his disputed victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko and argue that his clinch-heavy approach could prove vulnerable against bigger, more physical welterweights.

Prince Naseem Hamed sees Muhammad Ali as the all-time greatest boxer, on par with another legend who matched his penchant for chasing career-defining challenges.

While known largely for his immeasurable impact outside the ring, Ali showcased a remarkable degree of fighting spirit and intelligence whenever he stepped through the ropes.

Not only that, but the American never shied away from a formidable challenge, including those against the likes of George Foreman, Joe Frazier and Ken Norton.

Against ‘Big George’, in fact, Ali was considered a sizable underdog, only to score an eighth-round stoppage and claim the WBC world heavyweight title.

It is partly for this reason that many believe ‘The Greatest’ lived up to his moniker, rivalling Sugar Ray Robinson as the most celebrated fighter in history.

The former multi-time world welterweight and middleweight champion is perhaps best known for his compelling rivalry with Jake LaMotta, winning five of their six encounters.

Robinson also defeated nine other boxers who later became Hall of Famers, including Randolph Turpin, who pulled off an almighty upset in 1951 before losing their immediate rematch.

Eventually retiring with an extraordinary record of 174-19-6 (109), ‘Sugar Ray’ is considered by featherweight legend Hamed – who shared his thoughts with Radio Rahim – as the joint-Greatest of All Time.

“It’s either Sugar Ray Robinson or Muhammad Ali. They’re just set in stone – that will never change.

“In my eyes, though, the [most intelligent] person to ever come into the boxing game is Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather.”

While singing the praises of Ali and Robinson, ‘Naz’ credits Mayweather more for his financial earnings, rather than putting him in the ‘GOAT’ conversation.

Former two-division world champion Shawn Porter believes Abdullah Mason passed an important test Saturday night, saying the unbeaten WBO lightweight champion matured during his hard-fought victory over Albert Bell in Cleveland.

Mason retained his title with a 12th-round stoppage after overcoming a difficult first half against the late replacement challenger. Bell’s movement, height and accurate right hand created problems early before Mason made the adjustments needed to take control over the closing rounds.

Porter said the performance showed more than just talent.

“We saw a young man grow tonight. It was beautiful to see, too,” said Porter during TNT Sports’ post-fight show. “He came out a little hesitant because of the size, because of the height, that return fire with that straight right hand that kept coming back to Abdullah. It caused him to slow down.”

Porter credited Mason’s father and corner for recognizing what needed to change during the fight.

“Shout out to the corner. Always wondering, what does a dad know? How much can a dad really give? He gave his son everything tonight, and his son went out and implemented it all.”

Porter also recalled Mason stressing the importance of following instructions during the pre-fight meetings.

“He said in the fighter meeting, ‘I just need to listen to my corner.’ I knew that statement came from the previous fight that he just had. We saw this young man grow tonight, and he listened,” said Porter.

Mason’s adjustments paid off over the second half of the contest. After trailing on two of the three official scorecards through six rounds, he swept the closing rounds before stopping Bell 45 seconds into the 12th to improve to 21-0 (18 KOs). The victory marked the first successful defense of the WBO lightweight title he won from Sam Noakes last November.

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Last Updated on 2026/07/05 at 2:08 AM