Conor Benn Believes Devin Haney Faces Upset Threat Against Jose Ramirez, Citing Psychological Impact from Ryan Garcia Defeat

Conor Benn sees Devin Haney in a tough fight against Jose Ramirez that could end in an upset on Friday night, May 2nd on DAZN PPV at Times Square in New York City.

(Credit: Geoffrey Knott/Matchroom)

Haney’s Mental State

Benn questions whether Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) was affected psychologically from his brutal defeat against Ryan Garcia last April. He took a beating in that fight and has stayed away from the ring ever since.

People who have dealt with painful experiences tend to avoid putting themselves in a position where that can happen again. In Haney’s case, his decision not to fight for 13 months after his loss to Ryan was a sign that he was mentally affected, losing his self-confidence. He’s come back finally, but in what form?

“I think he’s in a tough fight. He needs to get the job done,” said Conor Benn to DAZN Boxing about Devin Haney being in a tough contest against Jose Ramirez on Friday night at Times Square in New York City. “You need people like Haney. You need the big characters in the sport of boxing. People invest more in characters than ability.”

Haney isn’t really a character. His dad, Bill Haney, is the character and the mouthpiece who has done all the talking for Devin. The reason fans have paid so much attention to Haney is for two reasons:

1. Bill Haney’s personality
2. The way Devin has been maneuvered: He’s captured two division titles with clever matchmaking that he’d have never won if he’d fought the talented champions.

The Upset Watch

“Probably Ramirez-Haney,” said Benn on which of the three fights on the main card has the best chance of having an upset. “Garcia is going to be full of confidence. If he’s stayed in the ring and stayed active, there won’t be no ring rust. I expect Garcia to come out and put on a statement.”

Ryan Garcia won’t be losing to Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero in the main event, because there’s a huge difference in talent between them. WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez is in a strong position to defeat challenger Arnold Barboza Jr. because of his punching power and hand speed. The one that is at risk of getting beaten on Friday’s card is Haney. He’s chinny, and likely lost his confidence.

“I think Teo is all wrong for Barboza. Although I like Barboza, I like both men. I think the only upset that could happen is Ramirez-Haney. I could see that being Garcia-Rolly,” said Conor about what fight will be the most entertaining of the three.

“You’ve seen Garcia go down with Campbell and Gervonta with a body shot. I think that could be lively, but I see Garcia coming out on top. “Haney’s looking in the best shape that I’ve ever seen him in,” said Benn.