A current unified world champion has branded Devin Haney as a physically inferior fighter to himself, believing he would “run through” the WBO world welterweight titlist.
‘The Dream’ became a three-weight world champion in November, producing a cultured performance to outpoint and dethrone Brian Norman Jr at 147lbs.
As a result, many believe that Haney has already become the top dog in his division, where the remaining champions include Ryan Garcia, Rolando Romero and Lewis Crocker.
In terms of his next outing, the 27-year-old was in negotiations to face Romero in May, yet it now seems as though their potential unification is up in the air.
While targeting the WBA world champion, though, Haney was also in talks for a possible move up to 154lbs against Xander Zayas, who holds the WBO and WBA titles in that division.
Instead, the Puerto Rican is now gearing up to face former unified welterweight champion Jaron Ennis, headlining a show at the Barclays Center, Brooklyn, on June 27.
As far as he is concerned, the Haney fight failed to materialise because his team were never sent an offer, meaning the financial figures could not be determined.
In an interview with Cigar Talk, however, Zayas insisted that, if they ever lock horns, his size would play a crucial role in securing an emphatic victory.
“[Team Haney] wanted the fight, we wanted the fight, but they never said a number. The TV provider needs to have a number to know how he’s going to make the fight happen.
“I was going to run through him. He maybe gets in [the ring] at 160[lbs]… I’m getting in that ring at 180[lbs].”
In response, Haney took to social media and claimed that such an advantage is neither here nor there.
“As long as someone makes weight against me… [I don’t care] what you hydrate up to in 24 hrs. It won’t matter.”
As long as someone makes weight against me.. idc what u hydrate up to in 24 hrs. It won’t matter https://t.co/Y724w1Ba6r
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) April 10, 2026
While a clash between Haney and Zayas could be revisited, both champions are expected to remain in their respective divisions for at least the time being.