As the boxing world welcomes the new year, many celebrated on X by wishing their fans on the occasion. However, Devin Haney’s situation unfolded differently. Just as he was preparing to share his good wishes with his followers, fortune seemed to take an unexpected turn. What began as a heartfelt message quickly soured, as his post sparked a wave of mockery that caught him off guard, leaving the fighter’s New Year celebrations overshadowed by a backlash, pointing out that his year didn’t quite align with the message of triumph he was trying to convey.

Devin Haney, the former undisputed lightweight champion, has enjoyed a remarkable career marked by unbeaten streaks and significant accomplishments. From claiming world titles at a young age to taking on some of the most prominent figures like George Kambosos Jr. and Vasily Lomachenko in the lightweight division, Haney has solidified his reputation as one of boxing’s brightest stars.

However, Haney’s 2025 New Year’s Eve post sparked a wave of reactions from fans that shifted the narrative surrounding him. His X post read, “MashAllah 2024 was my best year to date Allah is the perfect planner & I put all my trust into him. I learned so much about myself & I received the blessing of a lifetime.. a daughter. 2025 I will rise higher then before with the power of Allah InshaAllah.” 

In his post, Haney reflected on 2024, declaring it as his “best year to date,” thanking Allah for the “blessing of a lifetime” with the birth of his daughter. However, most may remember it differently. 2024 was a year of mixed fortunes for Haney. After winning the WBC Super Lightweight title against Regis Prograis on December 9, 2023, at Chase Center in San Francisco, he faced the challenge of taking on Ryan Garcia in April.

However, the fight didn’t go as Haney had planned as Garcia took him down in rounds 7, 10, and 11. Even though the match turned into a no-contest after Garcia’s positive drug test, this loss was still a hard blow to Haney and his prized undefeated record, which had been a central pillar of his identity as a fighter. If that wasn’t enough, his stocks plummeted after his loss to Garcia, and Haney decided to take a year off. He was, as a result, demoted to a ‘champion in recess’ by the WBC.

Well, after his latest defeat and the subsequent lawsuit he filed against Ryan Garcia, fans had a lot to say regarding his celebratory New Year’s post.

Tough Criticism and Harsh Reminder for Devin Haney

The first reaction to Haney’s post was a sarcastic one. “Are we sure about that?” the fan subtly referenced Haney’s loss to Garcia, hinting that Haney may not have had the “best year” due to his first defeat of April 2024. “If that’s your best so far, I’d hate to see your worst year,” shot back a fan. The fan took a more direct approach, suggesting if this was Haney’s best year, then his worst year must have been a disaster.

Another comment read, “You got your neck broken by @RyanGarcia.” This was indeed a harsh reminder of the humiliating loss in April 2024. The term “neck broken” points at the severe beating Haney took from Garcia during their bout, particularly in the later rounds when he was knocked down multiple times.

However, another fan took a different approach by offering support to Haney while simultaneously discrediting Ryan Garcia. “Devin, happy new year to you and your family! Have faith in your dad because he made you a hall of famer! Ryan Garcia is not and will never be a champion!! He’s a cheat who came in overweight with De La Hoya’s OK without doubt!! He tried to hurt you by consuming PEDS !! Champ!” This comment pointed out PEDs as the possible reason for the Victorville native’s victory, which ultimately positions Haney as the true champion despite his loss. This comment reflects a faction of fans who view the 26-year-old as a victim of circumstances beyond his control.

The wave of negative comments didn’t stop there. One person took it a step further. “Do it say you can go to Diddy parties in the Quran? And make sure you raise Thug’s kid right bro,” wrote one user. This reaction combines criticism with a moral perspective, questioning Haney’s lifestyle choices and whether they align with his faith. The comment targets Haney’s public image, particularly his involvement in celebrity culture, especially in light of recent news surrounding his partner’s connection to rapper Young Thug.

In simple terms, the reaction from fans only highlights the delicate balance athletes must maintain between personal triumphs and public expectations, especially when recent performances haven’t lived up to the hype. As Haney moves into 2025, his ability to bounce back from setbacks and continue his rise in the boxing world will be the true test of his character and legacy.

What do you think? Can Devin Haney reclaim his position as one of boxing’s top stars in 2025? Let us know your thoughts below.