JOSH TAYLOR supports Devin Haney in his quest to defend the WBC super-lightweight title against Ryan Garcia this Saturday night (April 20). However, he categorically dismisses any notions of a future bout with the American.
However, there is a valid justification for this decision. In May 2021, Taylor achieved the title of undisputed super-lightweight champion by defeating Jose Carlos Ramirez. Subsequently, he was obligated to defend all four belts against Jack Catterall in Glasgow nine months later. Nevertheless, having triumphed in the 10-stone division, the Scottish boxer had his sights set on moving up to the 147lbs category and challenging the best in the welterweight division.
If he had allowed himself to lose focus, he would have jeopardized all his hard-earned achievements. Taylor exited the SSE Hydro after his bout with Catterall, unchallenged but only by a narrow margin and with a disputed outcome. This has prompted Taylor and Catterall to face off once more on May 25 at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.
The 33-year-old had just enjoyed a good dinner after another day’s training for his upcoming rematch when Boxing News spoke to him on Thursday when he explained why any idea of a fight against Haney or Garcia is of no interest to him right now.
“He said that’s exactly what I was thinking the last time I fought Catterall.”
“I’m contemplating moving up to the 147 weight class to challenge top boxers such as “Bud” Crawford, Errol Spence, and Yordenis Ugas, with the goal of becoming a two-weight world champion. However, I realize that I got carried away with my ambitions in the past and won’t repeat that mistake. Of course, it’s natural to think about what comes next after a fight. If I emerge victorious against Jack, I would be interested in revisiting the possibility of fighting Teofimo Lopez, as well as facing opponents like Haney and Garcia in the highly competitive division. A win on May 25 would open doors for significant matchups. I’m optimistic about my future in boxing.”
The long-awaited showdown between Haney and Garcia is just around the corner. Taking place at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn on Saturday night (April 20), this fight marks the climax of a truly unbelievable build-up. From heated exchanges on social media to strange posts from Garcia, and even a few physical altercations, the events leading up to this match have either captivated or repulsed fans, depending on their perspective.
Fortunately, there remains a boxing match to anticipate. Haney, the once undisputed lightweight champion, dismantled Regis Prograis’ reputation in their December bout. Haney’s dominant victory in San Francisco demonstrated the disparity between being good and being exceptional, thus concluding Prograis’ 13-month reign as the WBC super-lightweight champion.
Taylor expressed that she is unable to envision anyone surpassing Devin Haney, as she discussed the champion’s initial defense against Garcia.
In my opinion, he possesses a superior boxing intellect and IQ. Additionally, he has shown exceptional performance since moving up to the 140-pound division. It seems like he has gained significant muscle mass and adapted well to the weight class. His strength is evident, and he quickly adjusted to the new division. While he may not possess the flashy left hook like Garcia, his hand speed is also quite impressive. Overall, I believe he has a more complete set of skills. It is difficult for me to envision anyone other than Devin Haney emerging victorious in this fight.
On April 16, Haney and Garcia were spotted at The Empire State Building, captured in a photograph taken by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust.
Talking to some industry experts the chances of Garcia winning have been whittled down to a puncher’s chance. The bookmakers have Haney as a huge odds-on favourite at 1/8 with Garcia at 5/1. BN asked Taylor if he thought the same as others and if Garcia has more than just a cliché for his hopes of winning.
“He responded by saying that everyone has a chance to land a punch.”
“Garcia’s speed is impressive, and it takes considerable skill to dismantle and knock out Luke Campbell with ease. He is undoubtedly a talented fighter, but in my opinion, he doesn’t quite measure up to Devin Haney in terms of overall ability. Devin possesses a greater range of skills, a more strategic approach to boxing, and a wider variety of techniques. To me, Devin Haney is the more well-rounded fighter.”
The underdog has turned into something of an anomaly within the sport. It has been over three years since Garcia triumphed against Luke Campbell in what was an acid test for the 21st fight of his career. As the clock counts down to his bout against Haney the seventh-round stoppage win against Campbell remains the biggest scalp Garcia has taken.
Almost one year ago to the day Garcia came up short against Gervonta “Tank” Davis in a 21st century super-fight which did its job of crossing over into the mainstream and considerably fattened up their bank balances. But competition comes down to winning and losing and unless you are a Joe Frazier, or a Thomas Hearns history doesn’t often remember those who didn’t get the job done.
Davis’ seventh-round stoppage victory raised doubts about Garcia’s determination and ability to compete against top fighters like Davis and now Haney. So, how has Garcia secured another significant fight and a lucrative payday? Well, his massive following of 20 million across three social media platforms may have played a role. Is Garcia being given another chance at such a high level due to his popularity or his skills as a fighter?
Taylor stated that they believed it was a combination of both.
Although he possesses impressive fighting skills, I believe his popularity plays a significant role in securing his fights. For me, it’s a combination of both factors. While he is undeniably talented, with impressive speed and sharpness, his boxing technique may not be the strongest. However, his immense popularity on social media seems to have influenced his behavior, leading to some outrageous outbursts and statements. It is crucial for him to remain focused on his training in the gym, as that is ultimately what truly matters.
He further stated that he believes his popularity alone has secured him these fights, without necessarily deserving them. In his view, he hasn’t truly faced any noteworthy opponents except for Luke Campbell, which was indeed an impressive victory. However, he suspects that Luke was slightly past his prime and nearing retirement. In summary, he believes it’s a combination of talent and popularity that has granted him these opportunities.
