May 29, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada; Devin Haney and Jorge Linares during their fight at the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom.
Haney Aims to Deliver Knockout Blow Against Social Media Star Garcia
On Saturday, Devin Haney is set to defend his 140-pound title against the popular social media influencer Ryan Garcia at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Haney enters the bout as a comfortable -900 betting favorite, indicating a high level of confidence in his ability to defeat Garcia.
One of the key questions surrounding the fight is whether Haney can finish Garcia. The odds on a Haney knockout or TKO victory are slightly less favorable at +150. Former lightweight world champion Jorge Linares, who faced Haney in 2021, believes the move up to 140 pounds is the best decision for Haney, as he can now carry more power in his punches.
“Linares, who fought Haney when the latter was still campaigning at 135 pounds, noted that he didn’t feel the full impact of Haney’s punches during their bout. Haney was rehydrating to a significant 154 pounds after the weigh-in, suggesting he was cutting too much weight to make the lightweight limit.”
Now at 140 pounds, Linares believes Haney can unleash more effective power shots, which he demonstrated in his recent scintillating performance against Regis Prograis. Haney proceeded from the Linares fight to become an undisputed lightweight champion and then captured a 140-pound title by defeating Prograis in December.
The change in weight class has the potential to elevate Haney’s brand and transform him into a bona fide pay-per-view draw, especially with his showdown against the immensely popular Garcia. Linares emphasized that a knockout victory would be the best form of marketing for Haney, as he continues to establish himself as one of the premier talents in the sport.
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