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Is Devin Haney Still the Undisputed Champ?

Published 04/19/2024, 3:45 PM EDT

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Only a few shine as brightly as Devin Haney. With an unblemished record of 31-0, including 15 KOs, he stands out. At just 25, Haney has already conquered the lightweight division. Now, he aims higher in the super lightweight class. His next challenge? A high-stakes bout against Ryan Garcia on April 20, 2024.

Haney’s career is a testament to his skill, ambition, and dedication. From undisputed lightweight champion to WBC junior welterweight champion, his journey is captivating. But does this make him the undisputed champ?

Undisputed at lightweight: A brief but dominant reign

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First capturing the WBC Lightweight Title in 2019 and becoming the youngest champion at the time, Devin Haney quickly ascended to the pinnacle of the lightweight division. Throughout his reign, he successfully defended his title against formidable opponents, solidifying his status as a champion.

In 2021, his relentless pursuit of greatness saw him defending the belt against Joseph Diaz Jr. Earlier, in May of the same year, Haney had faced Jorge Linares, another high-caliber fighter, proving that he could withstand and outmaneuver experienced challengers.

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From 2022 to August 2023, he reigned supreme in the lightweight division. Significantly, his conquest began with a strategic victory over George Kambosos Jr. in June 2022. This triumph not only showcased Haney’s tactical brilliance but also unified the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO lightweight titles under his name, thus becoming an undisputed lightweight champion.

Subsequently, Haney defended his undisputed status first in a rematch against George Kambosos Jr. in October of the same year and then a second time with a decisive win against Vasiliy Lomachenko in May 2023. Opting to vacate his lightweight titles to pursue glory at super lightweight was a bold move. Yet, it underscored his ambition to excel beyond the boundaries of a single division.

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Looking ahead: Super lightweight and beyond

Going into the super lightweight division, Devin Haney embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious career. Immediately, he made his mark by securing the WBC junior welterweight title from Regis Prograis in December 2023. This victory was not just a win; it was a declaration of Haney’s intent to dominate yet another weight class.

Subsequently, Devin Haney’s focus has remained razor-sharp, with his sights set on further glory. Next on his agenda is a highly anticipated showdown with Ryan Garcia, his first WBC title defense at super lightweight. This bout isn’t merely another fight; it’s a tiebreaker match between Ryan and Haney, that could define Haney’s legacy in the super lightweight division.

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So, while Haney was undisputed until he fought Regis Prograis, he isn’t now. Now he might look to become undisputed in the super lightweight division. What heights will Devin Haney reach next? Let us know what you think.

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Written by:

Mrinal Mishra

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Mrinal Mishra is a senior writer for Boxing at EssentiallySports. With over 1300+ articles to his name, Mrinal’s articles often find congratulatory mentions from boxing greats like Mia St. John.
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Edited by:

Gokul Pillai