Devin Haney’s stunning defeat to Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz Jr. in their WBC lightweight title fight has sparked a heated debate among boxing analysts. Former world champions Paulie Malignaggi and Sergio Mora, appearing on ProBox TV’s ‘Deep Waters,’ dissected Haney’s performance, highlighting his departure from his characteristic style and subsequent decline.
Malignaggi expressed astonishment at Haney’s inability to avoid Diaz’s power punches, despite his effective jabbing and movement in the early rounds. He criticized Haney’s decision to square up and chase the puncher, mistakes that proved costly against Diaz’s strength. Mora agreed, noting that Haney appeared fatigued and failed to capitalize on openings to deliver effective blows. He also questioned Haney’s decision to practice leaping left hooks before the fight, playing into Diaz’s strengths.
Reflecting on Haney’s performance against younger, talented fighters like Diaz, Malignaggi emphasized that Haney is a skilled fighter but not comparable to Floyd Mayweather. Haney, still the WBC 140-pound champion, faces challenges from other notable champions like Teofimo Lopez, Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, and Subriel Matias. A rematch with Diaz is discussed, but Diaz’s weight concerns and interest in fighting welterweights and junior-middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora complicate future plans.
Malignaggi, drawing from personal experience, encouraged Haney to bounce back after adversity, emphasizing the importance of self-belief. ‘Haney can come back and regain his status as a champion,’ assured Malignaggi. ‘He just needs to believe in himself and learn from this defeat.’
