Ex-World Champion Jamel Herring Picks Devin Haney to Win Against Ryan Garcia

Published 03/17/2024, 5:46 PM EDT

With each passing day, the frenzy around the upcoming Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia fight seems to be intensifying. While a huge chunk of this traction can be attributed to the online antics of ‘KingRy’, the bottom line, however, remains the fight’s relevance to boxing fans. Who could dominate the showdown? Jamel Herring picks Haney. Why?

In December, the then-unified lightweight champion, Haney went up the weights to fight Regis Prograis. After defeating ‘Rougarou’ on points, Haney was crowned the WBC super lightweight champion, making him a two-division champion. Since then, everyone has been highly confident of his prowess and dedication to the sport. Now, in agreement, Jamel Herring too leverages this premise.

“Look at the body of work…”

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Speaking to Fight Hype TV, the former WBO junior lightweight champion mentioned his reasons for why he sees ‘The Dream’ as a favorite over his 25-year-old opponent. Herring, who has sparred with Haney before, said, “Devin Haney. Just look at the body of work. I’ve been in there in the gym in the past with Devin Haney. He’s sharp. Even as he’s fasting, you know, for reasons now, he was sharp and sparring yesterday when I watched him. So again, Devin does the craft and he takes the craft seriously.”

In days leading to the matchup, boxing aficionados have been critical of the way Ryan Garcia has been approaching this fight. While his opponent, Haney, remains all serious, training for the big night, the Californian has invited trouble into his corner through his antics on social media. These posts have raised doubts among many if he’s even mentally prepared to fight Haney, while also strengthening their confidence that the latter will go home victorious.

In this context, a mental health advocate, Herring had some crucial points to make about Ryan Garcia and his recent antics.

Jamel Herring calls out Ryan Garcia

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In the conversation, the 38-year-old southpaw was asked his thoughts on the ongoing fiasco Ryan Garcia has gotten himself into. While noting that he stands strong with people who suffer from mental health complications, he referred to Ry’s outbursts as, “As a game to promote.” He further implied that the fighter should undertake a mental health evaluation before the fight.

He stated, “Man, it’s crazy man. It’s crazy like me being an advocate for PTSD and mental awareness. You know, what I’m saying. I, you know, wish the best for folks like that but you’re just playing it as a game to promote. I can’t get down with that but again, he can’t get mad also at the commission at the New York State of Commission, for wanting to do a mental evaluation. Like bro, you are putting crazy out there, every day. What’d you expect?”

When asked what he would suggest to Ryan Garcia for the fight, Jamel Herring said, “He got to be mentally strong, you got to be mentally tough. Ryan has the tools to be a great fighter if he wants to. You know what I mean? He’s not a bad fighter, I like Ryan as a fighter. But, mentally, we don’t know if the can get over that hump to get to the next level.”

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It remains to be seen if Ryan Garcia will pull through and make amends before his fight against Haney. Do you think he will be able to? Let us know in the comments section below.

Ryan Garcia Addresses Fight Cancellation Rumors; Gives Update on Training Ahead of Devin Haney Fight

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Written by:

Mohammed Shafiulla is a Boxing writer at EssentiallySports. With a Master’s degree in Journalism from a reputed institute, Shafi has cemented his position as one of the astute observers of boxing at ES. One of the early supporters of Naoya Inoue, Shafi has covered his transition from a Japanese boxer with a niche fan following to a power-punching global boxing star.

Edited by:

Gokul Pillai

Ex-World Champion Jamel Herring Picks Devin Haney to Win Against Ryan Garcia

“Look at the body of work…”

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