Previewing the best upcoming fights around the world
OUTSTANDING
GOOD
FAIR
DISAPPOINTING
RUBBISH
The star ratings indicate how well the writer believes the fighters match up, the fight(s)’ contextual significance, and how good the fight(s) will be
INCREASINGLY, it has seemed like the only way to make Devin Haney, the world’s best lightweight, a bona fide superstar is for him to move through the weights, and in doing so put himself in harm’s way. For history would suggest that it is only then, when disadvantaged physically, and going after new goals, fans will be able to look beyond Haney’s propensity to go 12 rounds and instead respect the skill he displays in disarming and dominating opponents.
For now, until that happens, the reality is this: not since September 2019, when fighting Zaur Abdullaev, has Haney, 30-0 (15), managed to finish a fight inside the distance. In the four years following that win, he has gone the full course with Alfredo Santiago, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Jorge Linares, Joseph Diaz, George Kambosos (twice), and Vasily Lomachenko. All good opponents, of that there is no doubt, yet by virtue of going the distance with them, and with seemingly
