Boxing’s lightweight division is filled with some of the best fighters in the sport. That includes Devin Haney, who’s been searching for an opponent for months. This week, Matchroom Boxing CEO Eddie Hearn told the media that Haney vs. Linares is being targeted to take place next.
Jorge Linares is another world-class opponent looking for a big-name opponent. He’ll present some big tests for Devin. Today, we’ll break down this fight and discuss what it means for the lightweight division moving forward.
Let’s get into it!
Boxing’s Lightweight Ranking Are All Over the Place
There are more elite fighters competing in boxing right now than ever before. Fans are trying to debate which division is the most stacked right now. It’s a difficult one to argue, as every single weight class features truly world-class talent.
Many believe lightweight is now home to the largest collection of elite boxers. Throughout history, the 135-pound division has always been one that featured fantastic fighters. It seems like today, lightweight is more competitive than ever.
Experts are having a difficult time naming the true best lightweight fighter right now. For years, that title belonged to Vasyl Lomachenko. The Ukrainian was dominating every man he faced and it seemed as if he would never lose his lightweight titles.
In October of 2020, Lomachenko took on Teofimo Lopez. All online sportsbooks had “Loma” as the massive favorite leading into fight night. Lopez had different plans and pressured Vasyl with huge punches throughout the fight to earn a decision victory.
The lightweight rankings are now all over the place. Some list Teofimo Lopez as the best. Others believe that title belongs to Gervonta Davis. Despite the loss, several analysts believe Lomachenko remains the best lightweight in boxing.
Devin Haney is doing his best to earn that top spot. It seems he now has an opponent lined up to get him there.
Haney vs. Linares is Being Targeted for April 17
There are some true boxing veterans competing in the lightweight division. Perhaps even more exciting, however, are the large number of young up-and-comers in the division. There are several prospects at lightweight analysts believe will become future champions.
That includes Devin Haney. The 22-year-old has gone 25-0 during his career with wins over several world-class opponents. That includes Yuriorkis Gamboa, Zaur Abdullaev, and Alfredo Santiago.
Haney’s most recent win established him as a legitimate title threat at lightweight. That win came three months ago and no word has come out of who he’ll face next. That is, until this week when Matchroom CEO Eddie Heard offered some insight into Devin’s future.
According to Hearn, Haney vs. Linares is the fight he is currently working on. Jorge Linares is working back towards a title fight and could earn it with a win over Haney.
Bill Haney, Devin’s father, also believes Linares is the most-likely opponent to face next. He claims Ryan Garcia does not want to compete against Devin and didn’t mince words when discussing the fellow lightweight prospect.
“Linares, we got immense respect for Linares. He’s a former world champion. He’s always in the fight; he doesn’t come to lay down,” Bill Haney said. “I think Ryan Garcia would rather fight King Kong and run around Chicago in 20 below weather with Porkchop draws on being chased by a pack of lions than fight Devin Haney. There are no secrets in boxing. Devin’s talent speaks for itself inside and outside of the ring. He exemplifies a throwback fighter to his approach to the game.”
Haney vs. Linares is a fantastic fight. It’s always fun to see young contenders face off against old veterans of the game. We’ll be sure to offer more information on this clash over the next couple of weeks!
Biggest Fights Taking Place This Month
The sport of boxing never takes time off. There are huge bouts taking place every single month this year. February is now half-way done, yet several exciting fights are still scheduled to take place this month. Bovada is offering odds on all of them!
The biggest is without a doubt the one between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Avni Yildirim. Canelo is listed as the massive -5000 favorite. Yildirim is the massive +1400 underdog. If Yildirim manages to win, it would be one of the biggest upsets in modern boxing history.
This Saturday, Adrien Broner is set to step back into the ring. This time, he’ll be taking on Jovanie Santiago. Many are curious to see how Broner looks after a long layoff and numerous legal troubles outside the sport.
Broner was a world-class fighter in his prime. He comes in as just the -900 underdog in this bout, though. Santiago is relatively unknown to casual fans and enters this upcoming bout as the +550 underdog.
It’s a fun time for boxing fans around the world. Some huge fights are scheduled to take place over the next few months. Hopefully, he hears the news that Haney vs. Linares is officially booked, as well.
Who do you want to see Devin Haney fight next? Let us know in the comments section below!
Kevin Oldroyd
A longtime sports and gambling enthusiast, Kevin looks to present up-to-date and reliable information for readers. If he’s not writing, he’s probably watching MMA or playing blackjack. …
