No One Wants Smoke with Devin Haney

June 24, 2025

Devin Haney, the undefeated former undisputed lightweight champion, last stepped into the ring on May 2 in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, where he scored a decisive victory over José Ramírez at a 144-pound catchweight in Times Square. Since then, Haney has struggled to secure his next bout—a reality that’s beginning to look less like business as usual and more like a pattern of avoidance.

Following the win, Haney’s father and manager, Bill Haney, released a list of ten fighters they are actively pursuing for Devin’s next bout. Shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, the list includes some of boxing’s most recognizable names:

Of the ten, only Brian Norman Jr. has publicly responded in the affirmative. Fresh off a devastating knockout win over Jin Sasaki in Japan, Norman engaged in a pointed exchange with Bill Haney, signaling serious interest in making the fight happen. Bill Haney posted, “I’m on my job looking for this tough guy named Brian Norman Jr.? If you see him or his dad, tell them Devin Haney is looking for him.” Norman replied, “You don’t have to look for nobody. I’ll pull up y’all too.”

Teofimo Lopez did respond—but only to turn down an $11 million offer presented by Turki Alalshikh to face Haney in Saudi Arabia. Lopez cited concerns over potential favoritism, pointing to both Haney and Turki’s Muslim faith as a factor. The implication, he suggested, is that a fight staged in Saudi Arabia would favor Haney before the first punch is even thrown.

Ryan Garcia headlined the same Fatal Fury event on May 2 but suffered an upset loss to Rolando “Rolly” Romero. That defeat has put Garcia on an unofficial hiatus, and despite a contract in place for a rematch with Haney this October in Riyadh, he has shown no interest in following through. His silence only reinforces the overwhelming perception that he’s avoiding a second encounter with Haney.

Shakur Stevenson is scheduled to defend his WBC lightweight title on July 12 at Madison Square Garden against William Zepeda. A fight between Haney and Stevenson would require either a move up to 147 for Stevenson or a negotiated catchweight—something that hasn’t materialized despite frequent speculation.

As for Gervonta “Tank” Davis, his energy seems more focused on social media than on his rumored rematch with Lamont Roach. Roach recently cast doubt on the bout’s status, writing on X: “Lmao buddy damn well ion f**** around like that. He gassin y’all up just to justify why he ain’t do his part of the deal yet. He really might pull out of the fight… stay tuned.”

Jaron “Boots” Ennis, once considered a potential opponent, has now moved up to 154 pounds and is expected to vacate his IBF and WBA welterweight titles. According to promoter Eddie Hearn, Ennis turned down a proposal from Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh to fight Haney at 147, instead expressing interest only at junior middleweight—a leap Haney is not yet prepared to make.

Mario Barrios is scheduled to face Manny Pacquiao on July 19 in Las Vegas for the WBC welterweight title. A victory for Barrios would only increase the value of a potential matchup with Haney, who is seeking his first world championship at 147 pounds. A win for Haney in that scenario would give him significant leverage moving forward in the welterweight division.

Meanwhile, Keyshawn Davis is temporarily sidelined after missing weight for his most recent bout that did not materialize. Rolando “Rolly” Romero has shown little interest in facing Haney, while Conor Benn—who has a history of verbal exchanges with Haney online—remains a viable opponent for a UK-based showdown.

Even Richardson Hitchins, who called out Haney following his win over George Kambosos Jr., has since gone quiet.

The pattern is becoming clear: Haney, newly campaigning at welterweight, may have emerged as the boogeyman of the division. Whether it’s due to his technical prowess, promotional leverage, or timing, he remains one of the most avoided fighters in the sport today.