In a shocking turn of events, boxing sensation Devin Haney lost his undefeated record and WBC super lightweight title to Ryan Garcia in a majority decision on Saturday. Despite retaining his title due to Garcia’s missed weight, Haney suffered a series of knockdowns and a deflating loss.
Haney, previously ranked among the top 10 pound-for-pound fighters by major boxing sites, faced relentless attacks from Garcia throughout the 12-round bout. Analyst Paulie Malignaggi suggests that this performance has exposed vulnerabilities in Haney’s skills.
Garcia, known for his power, exploited Haney’s inability to adjust during the fight. Malignaggi expected Garcia’s power advantage, but was surprised by Haney’s lack of adaptation. Despite Garcia’s aggressive start, Haney fought back and controlled the early rounds. However, Garcia’s power proved too much, resulting in knockdowns in rounds 7, 10, and 11.
Malignaggi suggests that Haney’s impressive record may have been inflated by past victories over faded or overhyped opponents, excluding his win against Vasiliy Lomachenko. He emphasizes the two-fight series against George Kambosos Jr. as a major factor in Haney’s overblown reputation.
This loss raises questions about Haney’s status among boxing’s elite. Malignaggi believes that Haney lacks the power and versatility to compete with the best pound-for-pound fighters and that his jab, once considered a strength, was ineffective against Garcia.
