Devin Haney

Devin Haney: biography

Devin Haney is an American professional boxer who competes in the lightweight division. He currently reigns as the unrivaled lightweight champion, claiming the WBC title since 2019 and adding the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and Ring titles to his impressive collection since 2022. As of 2023, he stands atop the rankings as the finest active lightweight boxer according to the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, BoxRec, and ESPN.

Childhood and youth

Devin Haney was born on November 17, 1998, in San Francisco, California. He grew up in a boxing family, as his father, Bill Haney, was a professional boxer and served as his trainer and mentor throughout his career.

From a young age, Haney showed a natural talent for boxing. He began training and competing in amateur bouts, quickly gaining recognition for his skills and dedication to the sport. As a youth boxer, he amassed an impressive record, winning multiple national championships and international tournaments.

Haney's family eventually moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, which provided more opportunities for him to develop his boxing career. He continued to train rigorously and gain experience in the ring, honing his technical skills and refining his style.

Outside of boxing, Haney attended high school and balanced his education with his athletic pursuits. Despite the demands of his training schedule, he remained focused on his studies and graduated from high school.

Haney's determination, talent, and work ethic propelled him into the professional ranks at the age of 17. Throughout his youth, he faced and overcame various challenges and setbacks, demonstrating resilience and a strong commitment to his boxing dreams.

Boxing career

Devin Haney's professional boxing career has been marked by his exceptional skills, strategic boxing style, and numerous accomplishments. Since turning pro at the age of 17 in 2015, he has made a significant impact in the lightweight division.

Haney quickly gained attention for his talent, speed, and ring IQ. He showcased his skills in a series of dominant performances, defeating opponents and climbing up the ranks. His technical prowess and ability to outbox his opponents became evident early on in his career.

In September 2019, Haney faced Zaur Abdullaev for the interim WBC lightweight title. He put on a commanding display, winning by a fourth-round knockout. This victory set him up for a shot at the full WBC title.

In October 2019, the WBC elevated Haney to full champion status, making him the youngest world champion in the history of the lightweight division at the time, at just 20 years old. This achievement solidified his position as a rising star in the sport.

Since becoming the WBC lightweight champion, Haney has successfully defended his title against tough challengers. He faced Alfredo Santiago in November 2019, securing a unanimous decision victory. Haney then went on to defend his title against experienced former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in November 2020, winning by a dominant unanimous decision.

One of Haney's notable title defenses took place in May 2021 against Jorge Linares, a seasoned and respected fighter. Despite facing adversity in the fight, including a knockdown in the 10th round, Haney showed his resilience and boxing skills, ultimately winning by unanimous decision.

On October 16, 2022, Devin Haney and George Kambosos Jr. faced each other in a highly anticipated rematch at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia. The bout was closely watched by boxing enthusiasts and fans around the world. In an intense and competitive fight, Haney emerged victorious with a unanimous decision win. The judges' scores reflected Haney's dominance, with two scores of 118-110 and one score of 119-109 in his favor.

On March 29, 2023, it was officially announced that Devin Haney would defend his undisputed lightweight titles in a highly anticipated bout against former unified lightweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko. The fight was scheduled to take place on May 20, 2023, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Paradise, Nevada, United States. This matchup generated significant excitement among boxing fans and experts, as it pitted two elite fighters against each other in a battle for supremacy in the lightweight division. Haney's second defense of his undisputed titles against the skilled and experienced Lomachenko promised to be a compelling clash of styles and a test of their respective abilities. The announcement of this matchup marked a pivotal moment in both fighters' careers, with Haney aiming to solidify his status as the top lightweight in the world and Lomachenko seeking to regain his former titles. Boxing enthusiasts eagerly anticipated the event, eagerly awaiting the outcome of this significant championship encounter.

Throughout his professional career, Haney has displayed a strong commitment to continuous improvement and facing top-level competition. He has earned a reputation as a skilled and technically gifted fighter, known for his defensive prowess, ring generalship, and ability to dictate the pace of the fight.

Devin Haney's professional boxing career is still unfolding, and he continues to strive for greatness in the lightweight division. With his youth, talent, and dedication to his craft, he is poised to make even more significant strides in the sport in the years to come.

Personal life

As of early 2023, Devin Haney is not married, and it was confirmed that his romantic relationship with social media influencer India Love had ended. The couple had publicly announced their relationship, making their debut together following Haney's split from his ex-girlfriend Jania Meshell in the summer of 2021. However, circumstances changed, and Haney and India Love decided to go their separate ways. While details about the reasons for their breakup may not be widely available, it is known that their relationship concluded in early 2023. Haney, known for his dedication to his boxing career, continues to focus on his professional pursuits while maintaining privacy regarding his personal life.

Beyond his boxing pursuits, Devin Haney has occasionally used his platform to engage with fans and supporters on social media. He shares updates about his training, fights, and other boxing-related activities, allowing fans to stay connected with his journey.

Honors

Here are some notable records associated with Devin Haney's professional boxing career:

• Undefeated Record: Haney has maintained an undefeated record, meaning he has not suffered a loss in any of his professional fights.
• Youngest World Champion in Lightweight Division: Haney became the youngest world champion in the history of the lightweight division when he won the WBC title in October 2019 at the age of 20.
• Longest Reign as WBC Lightweight Champion: Haney held the WBC lightweight title for an extended period, as of September 2021. The exact duration of his reign may have changed after that date.