Recent news suggesting a potential 2025 megafight between Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez has generated significant excitement among boxing fans. Both fighters, renowned for their time as lightweight champions and their long-standing rivalry, are among the biggest names in the sport. However, the anticipation hit a snag when Lopez revealed he had not received any formal offer. Instead, he mentioned having extended a $2.4 million counteroffer. Meanwhile, Team Haney’s response added another layer of complexity, leaving fans uncertain about the bout’s prospects.

It’s been eight months since Devin Haney last stepped into the ring. His previous match, held on April 20 against Ryan Garcia, was mired in controversy. Initially ruled a majority decision in Garcia’s favor, the result was later overturned to a ‘no contest’ after Garcia failed a drug test. This allowed Haney to retain his title and undefeated record. However, the aftermath wasn’t entirely favorable for Haney. Despite the technical ruling, his performance during the fight drew criticism, and he became the subject of memes and online mockery. Now, as he seeks to rebuild his career, his father, Bill Haney, has stepped forward to defend his son’s reputation.

Bill Haney Defends Devin’s Performance

Tagging Stephen A. Smith and Tim Bradley, who had in the past criticized his son, Bill Haney displayed the scorecard of the April 20 bout at the Barclays Center. “For the record, @stephenasmith @Timbradleyjr and everyone else that got it twisted, Devin walked away and said, God doesn’t make any mistakes,” he tweeted.

He also criticized Ryan Garcia, who had knocked down Devin three times during the fight, for relying on banned substances. Bill Haney pointed out that his son won eight rounds on the scorecard, refuting claims that Devin was outclassed that night.

Bill Haney’s tweet sparked a lively debate. One user responded by sharing an image from the fight where Devin appeared vulnerable, which reignited discussions about his performance. When another user dismissed the scorecards as ‘sad’, Bill Haney cryptically replied, “Ostarine,” referencing the banned substance involved in Garcia’s suspension.

Criticism from Analysts

Soon after the fight, the official scorecards appeared. A closer look at the one shared by Michael Benson of talksport might reveal slight discrepancies compared to the scorecard shared by Bill Haney. The legitimacy of the scorecard remains to be confirmed as of now.

Nevertheless, fans might recall, a few days after the fight, Stephen A. Smith, while sharing a breakdown, said, “Devin Haney got exposed in this regard: he got exposed as having a questionable chin, and even his boxing skills, which I think are superb, came into question because even when he was hurt, he didn’t know how to back up.”

A few months later, when reports of Devin Haney filing a lawsuit against Devin Haney emerged, this is what Tim Bradley said: “I ain’t never seen nothing so soft, man, this is ridiculous. Just charmingly soft, you know, man, take your b*tt whooping like a man, dude.”

Despite retaining his title due to Garcia’s disqualification, many fans and commentators believe Haney’s April 20 performance fell short of expectations. The debate around his abilities and future continues. A rematch with Ryan Garcia or a decisive victory over another top-tier opponent could help Devin Haney silence critics and re-establish himself as one of boxing’s brightest stars.

What are your views on the scorecard shared by Bill Haney? Do you believe Devin Haney’s performance deserves more credit, or does the criticism hold weight?