Former welterweight champion Keith Thurman has unleashed a verbal barrage against lightweight contender Devin Haney, branding him a “scared fighter” lacking the necessary tenacity for a successful leap to the 147-pound division. Thurman’s critique follows Haney’s recent victory over WBC light welterweight champion Regis Prograis, a win that Haney and his team have been using to angle for a high-profile clash against Ryan Garcia. Thurman, however, remains unimpressed, questioning Haney’s power and fighting style.
Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) has drawn criticism from Thurman for adopting a risk-averse fighting style, reminiscent of Shakur Stevenson’s approach. Thurman accuses Haney of avoiding genuine risks, particularly in his bout against Prograis where Haney scored a flash knockdown but failed to pursue a knockout. This conservative strategy, according to Thurman, is indicative of a fighter who lacks the boldness and aggression needed to dominate in the welterweight category.
Thurman’s skepticism extends to the prospect of a showdown between Haney and Jaron “Boots” Ennis, a fight many fans have been clamoring for. Despite the speculation, Thurman believes that Haney is unlikely to make a move to welterweight and confront top-tier fighters like Ennis. He perceives Haney’s current trajectory as a path of least resistance, staying within his comfort zone rather than challenging himself against the elite of the division.
This scathing assessment by Thurman paints Haney as a fighter overly reliant on his technical skills, lacking the raw power and courage to truly make a mark at welterweight. While acknowledging Haney’s proficiency in “hit and don't get hit” tactics, Thurman criticizes this approach as unexciting and indicative of a fighter who prioritizes safety over spectacle. Whether this critique will influence Haney’s future choices or further fuel his ambition remains to be seen, but it certainly adds another layer of intrigue to the ever-dynamic landscape of professional boxing.
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