“I Lost Somebody That Super Close to Me”: Devin Haney Gets Emotional About Demise of His Trainer Tommy Smalls During Fight Camp, Dedicates His Win Over Regis Prograis to Him

In a stunning twist at the post-match press conference, champion boxer Devin Haney revealed a heart-wrenching personal loss. Fresh from his victory over Regis Prograis, Haney’s triumph was overshadowed by grief. His words, heavy with emotion, hinted at a deeper struggle during his recent fight camp. Surprisingly, this struggle was not in the ring, but in his personal life. Haney lost someone very close to him, someone who shared his daily life.

He shared the heartache of losing his close friend and trainer, Tommy Smalls. Yet, he chose to channel this pain into a fierce determination. This unexpected revelation added a layer of complexity to his already impressive victory. His victory was more than just a title win; it was a tribute.

Devin Haney honors late trainer with a landmark win

Devin Haney’s recent dominating victory over Regis Prograis for the WBC junior welterweight title was a spectacle of skill and strategy. Outclassing Prograis, Haney showcased a performance that earned unanimous acclaim, with judges scoring the bout 120-107 in his favor. This fight marked a significant step in his career, elevating him to a two-division champion.

Amidst this triumph, Haney shared a deeply personal aspect of his journey. “In the beginning of the camp, I lost somebody that was super close to me, that was living with me,” he revealed. This loss, he explained, was of his close friend and trainer, Tommy Smalls. The impact of this event was profound on Haney. “It really hurt me, I was going through it,” he confessed.

Despite the emotional setback, Haney found strength in his sorrow. “I was still working out, but it was a tough time for me,” he admitted. “Eventually, I just used it as motivation,” Haney stated. Haney’s reflections on Smalls’ influence were deeply touching. “I still remember everything that Tommy would tell me, his voice would play in my head,” he reminisced.

Concluding his emotional disclosure, Haney dedicated his victory to his late friend. “Definitely, this victory is for him, I wish he was here,” he expressed, his words resonating with a mix of triumph and loss. “We will meet again, inshallah,” he added, indicating a hope for a spiritual reunion. Now let’s see what Oscar De La Hoya has proposed for Haney and Garcia fans.

Oscar De La Hoya’s exciting proposal

Oscar swiftly took to Twitter to stir up anticipation for a potential blockbuster bout, advocating for a matchup between Haney and rising star Ryan Garcia. “I’m going to push for @RyanGarcia vs @Realdevinhaney let’s go!” De La Hoya tweeted, sparking widespread interest.

While Garcia had recently called out Rollie Romero for the WBA lightweight championship, De La Hoya’s suggestion of a Haney-Garcia fight adds a new, thrilling dimension to the boxing landscape. Despite Romero’s dismissive remarks about Garcia and hints at moving up in weight, the prospect of a Haney vs Garcia clash holds an undeniable appeal for fans and fighters alike.

Also Read: “I’ve Been Calling Out Ryan for Years”: Soon After Dominant Win Over Regis Prograis, Devin Haney Responds to KingRy’s Call Out

Who would come out on top in a fight between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia? What are your thoughts on this potential matchup?

Watch this story: Regis Prograis Questions Devin Haney’s Undefeated Record