The Battle of the Welterweights
On May 2nd, fans will witness a thrilling welterweight bout in New York City, part of the undercard for Ryan Garcia’s highly anticipated main event. Former WBC and WBO light welterweight champion Jose Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs) will face undefeated Devin Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) at Times Square. Trainer Abel Sanchez predicts that Ramirez will give Haney a run for his money, showcasing his experience, relentless work rate, and pressure. While Sanchez expects Haney to emerge victorious, he believes the 32-year-old Ramirez has the potential to upset the odds if his trainer, Robert Garcia, can craft an effective game plan. This fight serves as a tune-up for Haney, but Ramirez is no pushover and could expose any lingering vulnerabilities in Haney’s game.
Haney’s Layoff and Loss
Devin Haney is making his return to the ring after a one-year layoff, which has been marred by a brutal 12-round decision loss to Ryan Garcia in April of last year. The defeat was a significant blow to Haney’s confidence, as he was visibly hurt by Garcia’s punches from the opening round. This loss has raised questions about Haney’s durability and whether he can withstand the same level of punishment from Ramirez. Sanchez believes that Haney’s extended absence suggests he may still be grappling with the psychological impact of the loss. A fighter who didn’t take an ego hit would likely have returned to the ring sooner to maintain his momentum and continue making money. The memory of that defeat has likely been haunting Haney for the past eleven months, possibly affecting his self-belief and preparation for this fight.
Ramirez’s Approach and Tactics
Jose Ramirez brings a wealth of experience to the ring, and his style is characterized by a relentless, pressure-based approach. Unlike Ryan Garcia, who is known for his speed and precision, Ramirez relies on a constant bombardment of punches, reminiscent of a B-29 Superfortress carpet bombing its target. This non-stop assault can be particularly challenging for fighters with less durable chins, and Sanchez believes that Haney may struggle to withstand the barrage. Ramirez’s punches are powerful, and his ability to maintain a high work rate throughout the fight could prove to be a significant advantage. If Haney’s chin hasn’t improved since his loss to Garcia, he may find it difficult to stay on his feet under Ramirez’s relentless attack.
The Psychological Battle
The psychological aspect of this fight cannot be overlooked. Haney’s loss to Garcia was a humbling experience, and the shadow of that defeat may still loom large over him. Sanchez suggests that Haney may be more cautious and defensive in this fight, working on his reach and defense to avoid the same fate. However, Ramirez’s aggressive style is designed to keep opponents on the back foot, and he will likely aim to exploit any lingering doubts in Haney’s mind. The mental resilience of both fighters will be tested, and the one who can stay composed and execute their game plan effectively will have the upper hand.
Trainer Robert Garcia’s Role
Trainer Robert Garcia plays a crucial role in Ramirez’s preparation for this fight. Garcia’s experience and tactical acumen will be key in devising a game plan that can exploit Haney’s weaknesses. Sanchez believes that if Garcia can figure out how to attack Haney effectively, Ramirez has a legitimate shot at a knockout victory. While Haney’s defensive skills and boxing IQ are formidable, Ramirez’s experience and physicality could pose a significant challenge. Garcia must ensure that Ramirez is well-prepared to face a technically gifted opponent like Haney, who is likely to employ a variety of tactics to counter Ramirez’s pressure.
Predictions and Expectations
Despite the potential for an upset, Abel Sanchez expects Devin Haney to win the fight by a close decision. He believes that Haney will use his reach and defensive skills to navigate Ramirez’s relentless pressure. However, Sanchez also predicts that Ramirez will give Haney a much harder time than he anticipated, exposing any lingering vulnerabilities from his loss to Garcia. The fight is shaping up to be a compelling test for both fighters, with Ramirez aiming to prove his worth and Haney looking to reaffirm his status as one of the top fighters in the welterweight division. The outcome will ultimately depend on which fighter can execute their game plan more effectively and stay mentally strong in the face of adversity.
