As Devin Haney gears up for a significant fight in May, there is growing speculation surrounding the possibility of him facing Jose Ramirez as a tune-up before his highly anticipated rematch against Ryan Garcia in October. Haney, boasting a pristine record of 31 wins—15 of them coming by knockout—has made it clear he doesn’t intend to take an easy fight as he prepares for a clash that could define his career. The dynamics of this potential matchup, including the weight class and the fighters‘ respective shapes, add layers of complexity to the conversation.
Jose Ramirez, with a record of 29 wins and two losses, is a two-time world champion who has fought at the highest levels of the sport. While some critics might label him as „washed up“ after his recent performance—a closely contested unanimous decision loss to Arnold Barboza Jr.—his experience and skill set should not be underestimated. At 32, Ramirez may not be the fighter he once was during his reign at 140 pounds, but he remains a formidable opponent. His capacity to capitalize on any weaknesses, particularly targeting Haney’s historically vulnerable chin, might prove to be a critical factor if this fight materializes.
Taking on Ramirez comes with significant risk for Haney. The former light welterweight champion is still competitive and possesses a level of power that could exploit any missteps from Haney. Some analysts suggest that aligning himself with Ramirez—who arguably hasn’t matched his prime form since losing to Josh Taylor—could backfire spectacularly. Haney’s prior encounter with Garcia saw him hit the canvas not once, but three times, raising concerns about his ability to withstand the pressure from a power puncher like Ramirez.
The fight would take place at 147 pounds on the same card as Garcia, potentially allowing Haney to rehydrate significantly after the weigh-in. This added advantage could contribute to Haney’s speed, but it also raises questions about how well he can deal with an aggressive opponent targeting him in the ring.
There is no denying that a victory over Ramirez could do wonders for Haney’s standing within the boxing community. A successful bout against a skilled and respected former champion would certainly enhance his reputation, especially following his previous defeat. However, engaging with Ramirez does come with the specter of public perception weighing heavily on Haney’s shoulders. Fans and experts might view this fight as a risky gamble, with many likely believing that Haney should steer clear of such serious competition during a tune-up period.
While some pundits have labeled Ramirez as a fighter past his prime, evidence from his recent matches suggests a competitive spirit that could unsettle Haney. Observers should consider the possibility that Ramirez, despite some setbacks, holds the potential to land an upset or even dominate if Haney does not approach the bout with utmost seriousness. The boxing world eagerly awaits to see if Haney makes the bold decision to face Ramirez, a choice that could ultimately define the trajectory of his career in a significant way.
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