Turki Alalshikh praised Devin Haney on social media following the announcement of his fight against WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. in November in Riyadh. Alalshikh said what he likes about Haney is that he’ll “fight anyone.”
(Credit: Geoffrey Knott/Matchroom)
Assessing Haney’s “Fight Anyone” Claim
Many fans would disagree with Turki on this point. What Haney has shown us throughout his career is that he’s selective in the opponents he’s faced. The only talented fighter Devin fought at 135 was Vasily Lomachenko, and his win against him was seen as highly controversial by fans.
If Haney was willing to “fight anyone,” why did he choose to face Jose Ramirez last May? With 31 fights as a pro, Haney should have been able to fight Gary Antuanne Russell and Alberto Puello.
Undefeated Talents Haney Missed
Gervonta Davis
Raymond Muratalla
Andy Cruz
Abdullah Mason
Ernesto Mercado
Haney’s fight against Brian Norman Jr. at 147 is one of the rare ones where he’s facing someone he won’t be the favorite against, and won’t have a size advantage. This fight is expected to be a mismatch with Haney being blown out of the water by Norman, who is on another level talent-wise.
What’s going to be interesting to see is whether Haney lives up to Turki’s praise of him being willing to “fight anyone.” I see Devin reverting to how he used to be matched.
Will Haney Fight Top Welterweights?
If he really is willing to fight anyone, I’d expect him to fight these three: 1. Shakhram Giyasov, 2. Karen Chukhadzhian and 3. Raul Curiel. These are the best fighters in the division below Norman Jr. I don’t rate Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, Ryan Garcia, Mario Barrios, or Manny Pacquiao as being among the best at 147.
What we’re likely to see is Haney making business-level choices after his fight with Norman Jr. This means he’ll push for a rematch with Ryan Garcia, as well as fights against Barrios, Pacquiao, and Teofimo Lopez. He’ll stay far away from Curiel, Giyasov, and Chukhadzhian.
When Haney (32-0, 15 KOs) moved up to 140, he fought the faded Regis Prograis for his WBC belt rather than Subriel Matias or Teofimo Lopez. Why not them? Devin is now leaving the 140-lb division without fighting these talents:
Richardson Hitchins
Gary Antuanne Russell
Alberto Puello
Liam Paro
Devin Haney will fight anyone and i respect that🥊🤷🏻♂️
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) June 30, 2025
Last Updated on 06/29/2025
Read the full article here