Is Devin Haney Retiring After The Garcia Loss? – ‘His Jaw Is In Bad Shape’

“Devin is taking a break. We’re going to keep working until he gets back, and I’m sure we’ll be making an announcement,” Bill said

Taking a break is the logical thing to do. The boxer will be suspended by the commissions to allow himself to heal. That will also give Haney time to plan out his next steps. He is currently in line to face his WBC mandatory Sandor Martin. Before he lost to Garcia, that mandatory fight would not do big numbers. He does not have the most exciting style, nor does Martin, but now that fight is less appealing, raising questions over whether Haney should vacate the belt.

If he vacates the belt, he could avoid that mandatory obligation and try to secure another big fine. Haney may become more appealing because he is now seen as a beaten fighter. The break also allows him a chance to sharpen up his skills. During the Garcia defeat, he abandoned his defensive style, boxing and moving skills while using his job, which had won him rounds two to five.

Haney’s Future

While that may be the case, there is also a fear that Haney’s name is no longer relevant. Garcia has already ruled out a rematch, targeting a fight with Gervonta Davis. Haney also has no long-term contract with any promoter since he fights on a fight-by-fight basis. This does give him the flexibility to move around. However, he may have to reduce the terms on which he fights since he is less of a draw. Oscar De La Hoya, however, backed Haney to bounce back. He and Garcia backed Haney to beat Gervonta Davis, showing he still has a future. 

“Will Haney be back? Absolutely. He’s a great fighter. I have a lot of respect for his family. It was Ryan’s night and we should give him all the credit in the world. I think he [referee Harvey Dock] had a very interesting night. “One judge had it a draw, which is mind-boggling. The referee, he could have done a better job. He could have been neutral instead of Ryan fighting two people inside the ring,” De La Hoya stated