George Kambosos Jr. is picking Devin Haney to retain his WBC lightweight title with a win over Ryan Garcia this Saturday, April 20, in Brooklyn, New York.
Former unified lightweight champion Kambosos, who lost twice to Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) in 2022, cannot see a path to victory for Ryan (24-1, 20 KOs). Kambosos felt Ryan wasn't as focused as Haney and saw that making a difference.
Garcia's wealth and its potential impact
Ryan, 25, has the power and speed, but he appears to be focused on enjoying his newfound wealth over the last year after making a lot of money in his fight against Gervonta Davis.
Like anyone Ryan's age, it's difficult to continue working hard if you know you have enough money to live in luxury for the rest of your life. That might explain why Ryan doesn't seem to be as engaged in this fight as he was before he became rich.
Some would argue that Ryan is a smaller version of Andy Ruiz Jr. in terms of a warrior who stopped being hungry after becoming rich.
It's very possible that Ryan will turn into a guy who rushes into battle if he loses to Haney on Saturday.
Ryan would call up fighters he had no business trying to fight, like Terence Crawford, and try to set up matches that gave him big paydays but provided no entertainment value.
Haney's focus and innovation
“I can't see him winning this fight. I think Devin is getting better and better and I think he's going to be a great fit,” George Kambosos Jr. said. told Fight Hub TV YouTube channel, picking Devin Haney to defeat Ryan Garcia this Saturday.
Ryan has a puncher's chance to win, but he'll have to pressure Haney the same way Gervonta Davis did when fighting to get him on the ground because he's not someone who stays in the pocket. Haney threw each shot and then retreated.
If you move forward, he will back away or move quickly to hang on. It's a negative way of fighting, but he's effective at it. The reason Haney lacks a large fan base is tied to the negative style he uses.
Although it worked for him, it didn't generate much excitement. Haney's father, Bill Haney, was his spokesman, doing all the talking for him and generating interest in his fights by being a troll.
“Devin was focused, focused and in great shape while Ryan was talking about who killed Tupace, and he knew what did it. I agree with some of what Ryan said. Devin Haney is going to win, and I can't see a way for Ryan to win,” Kambosos said.
Kambosos acknowledged Garcia's strengths
Ryan is a tough guy. I saw him get knocked out by Luke Campbell. He got up again. Gervonta Davis got him,” Kambosos Jr. said.
“He stood up for the first time. The second time, a shot entered the body. He couldn't stand up. Could there be a stoppage? Yes, but we have to wait and see.”
There will be no stopping for Haney as he lacks strength and is too focused on not getting hit. The only chance Haney has for a knockout is to stay in the pocket and let go. He won't do it because standing in front of Ryan who can punch is too risky.
“We are two different types of warriors. Ryan is a big guy so that could play a role. Devin has good size about himself. Devin is older. Ryan is also that size. So that could be a factor. He also has tremendous speed,” Kambosos said.
“The problem with Devin is he makes you fight his battles. Ryan will probably see his speed and size,” Kambosos Jr. said.
