Former undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney is just days away from his welterweight debut. The 27-year-old will look to snatch the WBO welterweight title from Brian Norman Jr. on November 22 at the ANB Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, ahead of the fight, WBA welterweight champion Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero has made an unusual request. 

Romero and Haney fought in the same card back in May when Haney defeated Jose Ramirez, and Romero shocked the world by handing Ryan Garcia his second career loss. It’s been five odd months since then, but the WBA welterweight champion remembers that night clearly. So, when he appeared in an interview with Boxing News, he asked for an unusual rule change.

Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero wants to weigh Devin Haney down

“Can we put ankle weights on both of them?” Romero asked. But why? Devin Haney was widely criticized for his performance against Ramirez despite securing the win. The fight was so uneventful that even analyst Jim Lampley, who was commentating, called out how slow and boring the bout had become. Haney spent so much time circling away from Ramirez that the match spawned a fresh wave of memes on social media.

It’s safe to say the public still remembers those agonizing 12 rounds; rounds that may have done more damage than good to Haney’s reputation as an elite boxer. So, when the reporter asked whether Rolando Romero simply wasn’t impressed by Norman Jr., who recently knocked out Jin Sasaki in Japan, Romero clarified, “No, no, no. It’s not because of Brian. I want the ankle weights because of Devin. Brian’s gonna come fight.”

In theory, ankle weights might keep Haney from constantly moving away, but of course, such an idea is blatantly against boxing rules. As for Norman Jr., Romero held nothing back in his praise. “Brian is going to come to fight! Brian is a tremendous fighter, big puncher,” he said during the interview. He wrapped up with a hopeful prediction for Norman Jr. “And I hope he shocks the world,” Romero said.

Despite the criticism, Devin Haney remains unbothered by what people have to say about his performance.

‘The Dream’ Haney jokes about the Jose Ramirez fight

Ahead of his next fight, Haney is taking the criticism from his last outing in stride. Haney’s win over Ramirez at a 144-pound catchweight was widely panned for its lack of action, but the former undisputed lightweight champion isn’t running from the jokes. He’s joining in. “What do I remember about the last fight?” Haney laughed during a media workout. 

“[Expletive]–I was just running the whole fight. That’s what y’all said, right? When y’all say it, it’s not playin’. When I say it’s playin’.” Even after Bob Arum labeled him a track star, Haney insists the backlash hasn’t fazed him. “Naw, [criticism doesn’t get to me],” he said. “They are going to say something regardless. I just want to keep beating whoever they put in front of me.”

Now, with healthier weight cuts and renewed strength, Haney believes fans will see a “big dude” on November 22.

Having said that, Devin Haney isn’t bothering himself with what others have to say. However, in case he loses, hopefully, the result won’t get expunged. What did you think about Haney’s last fight? Who do you think will win this one?