Boxing’s newest sensation is a throwback to “Pretty Boy” but something different.
Over memorial day weekend, one of boxing’s up and coming prospects solidified why you should be paying attention.
Oakland born lightweight, Devin “The Dream” Haney (22-0, 14 KOs) made his DAZN debut on Saturday from the MGM Grand National Harbor.
It was also his first fight with Matchroom Sports USA, the stateside boxing affiliate to Eddie Hearn’s British boxing empire.
The undefeated lightweight sensation impressed a raucous crowd with his highlight-reel seventh-round stoppage of Mexico’s Antonio Moran (24-4, 17 KOs).
Haney was tested throughout the affair, however, he showed the patience and resilience of a world champion controlling the fight and countering even when trapped on the ropes or in the corner.
Trained by his father and now living in Las Vegas, Haney has been groomed for success.
“I know I got him hurt with that first shot,” said Haney post-fight. “My dad always tells me, when you get him hurt go right to the body. So I went to the body and then went over the top. I knew when I landed and saw his facial expression that he was out.”
The card was originally slated to feature Oleksandr Usyk vs. Carlos Takam until Usyk suffered an injury. Haney took the opportunity to steal the show leaving the distaste of losing Usyk’s heavyweight debut as just a memory.
The New And Improved “Pretty Boy”
Floyd Mayweather Jr. will probably go down as the greatest fighter of his generation. Undefeated and unapologetic, Mayweather raised the new crop of boxing standouts vicariously through his performance.
However, some like a young Devin Haney have been in the “Money May” orbit up close and personally.
Haney has trained in world renown Las Vegas gyms and has spent considerable time in the Mayweather Boxing Club. Haney himself has even benefitted from the tutelage of Floyd himself and the former in-ring persona of then “Pretty Boy” Floyd was evident on Saturday.
“It’s funny because I was watching some “Pretty Boy” Floyd fights this week,” Haney said to TSL exclusively.
“I have been in there with world class fighters. They say that sparring doesn’t count but I believe it does. I have put in many rounds with many different world champions so I believe that I have the experience factor.”
As the youngest promoter in boxing history (founded at 19 years old) with Devin Haney Promotions, “The Dream” is the upgrade as a dual businessman-boxer earlier than his famous predecessor.
Mayweather famously left Bob Arum’s Top Rank to found Mayweather Promotions and become the larger than life pugilistic character, “Money” Mayweather.
Haney is making partnerships now at 20 years old with international boxing conglomerates and streaming services which seem to be the future of the sport.
Now with fellow young peers like Teofimo Lopez and even Tevin Farmer as potentials and champions Mikey Garcia and Vasyl Lomachenko, the dream of blockbuster matchups might come in top fruition for Devin Haney.
With a strong family dynamic and a champions mentality, you will be hearing the name Devin Haney for years to come.
