Trainer Abel Sanchez believes Devin Haney has a far greater challenge in front of him than Ryan Garcia when both fighters compete at the “Fatal Fury” event on May 2 at Times Square in New York City. While Garcia is set to face Rolando “Rolly” Romero, Haney will take on former WBC and WBO light welterweight champion Jose Ramirez, a bout Sanchez says will test Haney’s standing among elite fighters like Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson.
Sanchez shared his views on Fight Hub TV, noting that Ramirez could expose any remaining vulnerabilities in Haney’s game. Critics point out that Haney was tested in previous bouts with Jorge Linares, Vasyl Lomachenko, and Alfredo Santiago. His credibility was also questioned by some after a loss to Ryan Garcia last April, though Haney’s camp views that defeat as a temporary setback.
“Ramirez is going to give him a hard time,” Sanchez said. “We’re going to see if Haney belongs at that top level - talking about Shakur and Gervonta.” Sanchez added that Haney’s performance on May 2 could shape expectations for a potential rematch with Ryan Garcia later on, assuming both fighters advance in the informal mini-tournament.
Haney rose to prominence by becoming the undisputed lightweight champion with consecutive victories over George Kambosos Jr. Now fighting at 147 pounds, Haney seeks to make a strong statement against Ramirez, who previously held world titles at 140.
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