JOSH TAYLOR is backing Devin Haney to retain his WBC super lightweight title on Saturday night (April 20) against Ryan Garcia but refuses to give any thought to a possible fight with the American in the future. hybrid.
However, there is a good reason for that. Having become the undisputed super lightweight champion after defeating Jose Carlos Ramirez in May 2021, Taylor was tasked with defending all four belts against Jack Catterall nine months later in Glasgow. But after conquering the 10-pound division, the Scottish fighter is aiming to move up to 147lbs and take on the top weight at welterweight.
Taking his eye off the ball almost cost him everything he had worked for. Taylor dropped out of the SSE Hydro after the Catterall fight remained undisputed but a razor-thin margin and a controversial result saw Taylor and Catterall rematch on May 25 at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.
The 33-year-old player had just enjoyed a delicious dinner after a day of training for the upcoming rematch Boxing news spoke with him on Thursday as he explained why any idea of a fight against Haney or Garcia is not on his radar at the moment.
“Last time I thought so [I fought Catterall]he say.
“Thinking about moving up to 147 and challenging the likes of “Bud” Crawford, Errol Spence, Yordenis Ugas and becoming a two-weight world champion. I was carried away. I won't make that mistake again. Obviously you think about these things and what might happen after an argument. When I won, when I beat Jack, I really wanted to go back to Teofimo [Lopez] fighting and battling guys like Haney and Garcia. That's a hot department right now. For me, winning on May 25 just means big games. The future will be bright when I win this fight.”
Haney and Garcia didn't have to wait long to resolve their private feud. When they step into the ring inside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday night (April 20), it will be the culmination of a build that sometimes has to be seen to be believed. Social media insults, bizarre posts from Garcia and a few direct shoves have all either fueled interest or given you goosebumps depending on how you look at it.
Thankfully there is still a boxing match left. Haney, the former undisputed lightweight champion, ruined Regis Prograis' reputation in their fight in December. “Rougarou's” 13-month reign as WBC super lightweight champion came to an end. ended as Haney proved there is a difference between good and great after claiming a dominant win over his San Francisco opponents.
“I can't see through Devin Haney,” Taylor said of the champion's first defense against Garcia.
“I think he has a better boxing brain and IQ. He looks completely solid because he's also up to 140. He looks like he's gotten stronger quite a bit. He looks really strong and is gaining weight really fast. He's just as fast as Garcia, maybe he doesn't have that lightning fast left hook, but his hand speed is just as fast. I think he has the better all-round package. I can't believe Devin Haney is going to win this fight.”
Haney and Garcia at the Empire State Building on April 16. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust)
Speaking to several industry experts, Garcia's chances of winning have been reduced to a puncher's chance. Bookies see Haney as the favorite at huge odds of 8/1 and Garcia at 5/1. BN asked Taylor if he thought like everyone else and if there was more to Garcia than just empty words about his hopes of winning.
“Well, everyone gets a punch,” he replied.
“Garcia is quite fast, and you can't knock down and knock out Luke Campbell relatively easily if you're not good. He's a good fighter, but I don't think he's as good as Devin Haney or a complete fighter. Devin has more on his game. More acts, more boxing minds, more variety. I think Devin Haney is the more complete fighter.”
The underdog has become something of an anomaly in the sport. It's been more than three years since Garcia won an acid test against Luke Campbell at the age of 21st war in his career. As the clock counts down to the Haney fight, his seventh-round victory over Campbell remains the biggest fight Garcia has won.
Almost a year ago, to the day Garcia defeated Gervonta “Tank” Davis in round 21.st super battle of the century has done its job of bucking the popular trend and significantly beefing up their bank balance. But competition comes down to wins and losses, and unless you're Joe Frazier, or history Thomas Hearns often doesn't remember guys who don't get the job done.
The seventh-round stoppage win for Davis raised questions in Garcia's mind and whether he could compete with today's greats like Davis or now Haney. So, how can Garcia win another big fight and another huge payday? Well, 20 million followers across three social media platforms might mean something. Did Garcia get a big opportunity like this because of his popularity or because of his fighting ability?
“I think it's a combination of both,” Taylor commented.
“He's a talented fighter, but I think it's because he's so famous that he takes these fights. It's a combination of both for me. He is talented, he has speed, sharpness, but his boxing ability is not the best, but he is extremely popular on social networks. I think all that stuff went to his head a little bit, hence the things he was saying and the crazy outbursts he was doing. As long as he stays in that gym and focuses on the main thing, that's all that matters.”
“I think his popularity has helped him get these matches,” he added. “I don't think he deserves these fights. He hasn't really fought anyone of note. Obviously, his best wins were Luke Campbell and [it was] a great victory. Luke himself is a great fighter, but I believe Luke is a bit older and is nearing the end of his career. I think it's a little bit of both. He is talented but because of his popularity he also gets these opportunities.”
