Will he succeed, or will he stumble? For Devin Haney, doubts continue to follow him. Just hours ago, the former undisputed champion faced off with Jose Ramirez, his opponent for the highly anticipated May 2 event in New York. The fight marks Haney’s return to the ring nearly a year after his controversial bout with Ryan Garcia.

The fight initially ended in a majority decision loss. But later it was ruled a no-contest following Garcia’s failed drug tests. Despite the official reversal, the way the fight unfolded left many fans and pundits questioning Haney’s abilities inside the ring. Jose Ramirez, a former world titleholder known for his heavy hands, presents a serious challenge.

How will Haney handle it? The stakes are high. A victory could pave the way for a much-anticipated rematch with Garcia and offer Haney a chance to silence his critics. But is it that simple? Former four-division world champion Mikey Garcia isn’t so sure. Recently inducted into the National Boxing Hall of Fame, Garcia spoke with Fight Hub TV’s Marcus Hayes and expressed some skepticism about Haney’s prospects.

Overcoming the fallout of last year’s fight remains a major hurdle for Devin Haney

For Garcia, entering the Hall of Fame alongside legends like Fernando Vargas was a surreal moment. Reflecting on his career, he explained that he stepped away from the sport not due to physical limitations, but because his passion had faded. Still, he takes great pride in all he accomplished inside the ring.

“I think it would be the same thing,” replied Mikey Garcia when asked what might happen if Haney and Garcia were to rematch, assuming both win their next fights. “Ryan showed that his power was just way too much for Devin. So I think we would see the same thing,” Garcia added further.

The comments came as Garcia and Hayes shifted their focus to the upcoming stacked fight weekend in Times Square. Garcia labeled the Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando Romero matchup ‘an action-packed duel,’ predicting fireworks for as long as it lasts. He also commented on the Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr. clash. Noting Lopez’s inconsistency, he felt it all depends on ‘which Teofimo shows up.’

He faces a major challenge right out of the gate

When asked about Haney vs. Ramirez, Mikey Garcia didn’t hesitate to pick a side. “I like Ramirez cuz he’s one of our boys. He’s our gym. Everybody’s sleeping on Ramirez. They don’t see what we see. He’s been training super hard. He’s very motivated, so I’m pulling for him.”

In fact, it didn’t take him much time to point out how Ryan Garcia drubbed Haney when they fought last April. So, according to him, Haney may not have fully recovered. “Not everybody can come back from a loss like that and be 100%,” he stated.

To further underline the narrative forming around Haney, consider what Mikey Garcia’s brother, renowned trainer Robert Garcia, had to say. Speaking to Fight Hub TV, the Ring Magazine 2024 ‘Trainer of the Year’ remarked, “I think Haney has the toughest fight.” He has full respect for the Haneys. However, Garcia warned they might be caught off guard by a highly motivated Jose Ramirez, who’s eager to bounce back from his sole loss to Barboza last November.

One thing is clear: for Devin Haney, the pressure couldn’t be higher. To earn another shot at Ryan Garcia and to reclaim his reputation, he’ll need more than a win. He’ll need a statement.

What about you? Do you agree with Mikey Garcia’s take on Devin Haney?