Devin Haney’s Strategy Against Jose Ramirez
Prepare for a clash of titans when Devin Haney faces former WBC and WBO light welterweight champion Jose Ramirez on May 2nd in New York City. Haney, known for his strategic and calculated approach, plans to leverage the aggressive pressure style that Ramirez is famous for against him. In previous bouts against pressure fighters, Haney has effectively used a combination of frequent clinching, jabbing, constant movement, staying low when throwing punches, and employing wrestling tactics. These strategies not only helped him secure victories against formidable opponents like Regis Prograis but also allowed him to avoid knockouts, most notably from Ryan Garcia.
The Must-Win Scenario
For Haney, this fight is more than just another title bout; it’s a gateway to a high-stakes rematch with Ryan Garcia. If he loses, the prospects of facing Garcia again become murky. The pressure to win is immense, and it’s hard to fathom how Haney agreed to such a pivotal bout. The tension is palpable, especially for his father, Bill Haney, who will be on the edge of his seat, hoping his son can navigate the challenges posed by Ramirez. The big money fight with Garcia riding on the outcome of this bout adds another layer of stress to an already high-stakes encounter.
Potential for an Ugly Fight
There’s a real possibility that this fight could turn ugly if Ramirez, known for his relentless pressure, fails to counter Haney’s defensive tactics. With a record of 29-2 and 18 knockouts, Ramirez possesses the power to match, if not exceed, what Ryan Garcia brought to the ring last April when he dropped Haney three times. The key question is whether Ramirez can land his shots without being thwarted by Haney’s jabbing, clinching, and wrestling. Even with a good referee who might penalize Haney for his defensive maneuvers, the likelihood of such interventions is slim. Haney’s chin, which has shown some fragility in the past, will be put to the ultimate test.
Haney’s Track Record
Haney’s career, marked by a 31-0 record with 15 knockouts, has seen him face and overcome some of the toughest opponents in the sport. His victories against Ryan Garcia, Vasily Lomachenko, Regis Prograis, and Jorge Linares are testaments to his skill and adaptability. In his bout against Ryan Garcia, Haney’s frequent clinching and defensive tactics, which arguably merited point deductions, went largely unchecked. This fight against Ramirez is another opportunity for Haney to showcase his versatility and resilience, using his opponent’s aggressive style to his advantage.
Haney’s Confidence and Strategy
Devin Haney is confident in his ability to neutralize Ramirez’s pressure and turn it into a strength for himself. Speaking to Ring Magazine, Haney emphasized that while Ramirez is a rugged and tough opponent, it’s his job to make the fight look easy. "He is a rugged opponent. He’s not an easy fight on paper, but it’s for me to make the fight easy," Haney said. "I want to use his weaknesses against him, use his pressure against him. We know he’s coming in there to pressure. Just showcase all my skills against a tough fighter that comes forward to show the world I’m an even better Devin Haney than I was."
The Stakes are High
The implications of this fight extend far beyond the May 2nd bout. For Haney, a win is crucial to secure future matchups against top-tier opponents like Teofimo Lopez, Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, and, most importantly, Ryan Garcia. The looming prospect of the Garcia rematch adds a significant layer of pressure, but Haney is determined to rise to the challenge. "If I don’t win this fight, I don’t get to those fights, especially the Ryan fight," Haney stated. As the world watches, Haney is ready to prove that he is not just among the best but is continuously improving, ready to take on and conquer the next big challenge.
