Haney Outpoints Ramirez in Undercard Bout Marked by Lack of Fireworks

Devin Haney emerged victorious in a 12-round welterweight contest against Jose Ramirez, securing a unanimous decision victory. The judges’ scorecards reflected a comfortable margin for Haney, with scores of 119-109, 119-109, and 118-110. However, the fight itself failed to ignite the crowd, lacking the explosive action and captivating exchanges often associated with high-stakes boxing matches. While Haney’s victory solidified his record at 32-0 and paved the way for a potential rematch with Ryan Garcia, the performance raised questions about his current form and willingness to engage in more aggressive tactics.

The DAZN broadcast revealed a rather unimpressive combined punch output of only 110 landed punches between both fighters, underscoring the tactical and often hesitant nature of the bout. Haney, known for his quickness and hand speed, employed a strategy that prioritized movement and pot shots, often circling away from Ramirez’s advances rather than standing his ground and trading blows. While this approach proved effective in accumulating points and avoiding significant damage, it also contributed to the fight’s lack of excitement.

Throughout the fight, Haney exhibited a noticeable flinch whenever Ramirez managed to close the distance, suggesting a degree of discomfort or apprehension in engaging at close quarters. However, Ramirez struggled to capitalize on these moments, failing to consistently land punches and effectively pressure Haney. This lack of offensive output allowed Haney to maintain control of the fight, even if his own performance was not particularly dynamic.

In the opening round, Haney appeared unusually tentative, backpedaling and allowing Ramirez to land a couple of lefts. His fists seemed "holstered," as if he was reluctant to fully commit to his punches. An early wardrobe malfunction, with the Velcro strap coming loose on his right shoe, added to the sense of unease surrounding his initial performance.

The second round saw Haney begin to find his rhythm, landing a crisp left and a solid right. However, he still appeared hesitant, perhaps a lingering effect from his previous encounter with Ryan Garcia, who had knocked him down multiple times. Ramirez, for his part, continued to struggle to impose his will, allowing Haney to gradually gain momentum.

In the third round, Haney’s corner addressed the issue with his shoe, taping the uncooperative Velcro. Haney threw more punches, showcasing glimpses of his potential, but still appeared tentative when Ramirez attacked. He landed a hard left hook and a solid right, while Ramirez looked flat-footed and slow.

The fourth and fifth rounds were characterized by a lack of sustained action, with Haney prioritizing movement and Ramirez struggling to cut off the ring. Haney’s reluctance to stand his ground frustrated some observers, who felt he was not fully utilizing his skills.

The sixth round saw a minor breakthrough for Ramirez, who landed a left that grazed Haney. However, Haney quickly responded with a combination and a solid body shot. Ramirez also suffered a cut under his left eye, adding to his woes.

In the seventh round, Haney continued to circle and move, prioritizing his "steps" over engaging in meaningful exchanges. Ramirez landed a left but ate a right counter in response. Haney landed more punches, but took few chances, while Ramirez continued to struggle to score.

The eighth round saw Haney finally slow down and throw more punches, landing effectively and opening up his offense. Ramirez appeared to have no answers for Haney’s increased aggression.

The ninth round saw Ramirez attack with renewed vigor, landing a body shot and a right. However, Haney responded with a strong right and darted away, avoiding further engagement. Ramirez chased Haney, but ate a couple of punches when he got too close.

In the tenth round, Haney reverted to his earlier strategy of moving rather than standing his ground. While this approach likely paid off on the scorecards, it was not "vintage Haney." Ramirez cornered Haney and scored, but Haney quickly moved away.

The eleventh round saw Haney throw a big right and miss, highlighting the occasional wildness in his punches. Ramirez landed a right, while Haney continued to burn calories and outpunch Ramirez.

In the final round, Ramirez, needing a knockout to win, landed a left to the body and fired a couple of shots as Haney darted away. Haney landed pot shots, bringing the fight to a merciful end.

Despite the clear victory for Haney, the fight left many viewers underwhelmed. The lack of sustained action and the abundance of movement detracted from the overall entertainment value. While Haney’s victory secures a potential rematch with Ryan Garcia, he will likely need to deliver a more compelling performance to generate significant excitement and dispel concerns about his current form. Some observers even wondered if the loss that Ryan Garcia inflicted on him took away some of his fighting ability.

Ramirez, on the other hand, suffered his third professional defeat and will need to reassess his strategy and approach if he hopes to remain a relevant force in the welterweight division. His inability to consistently land punches and pressure Haney ultimately proved to be his undoing. The fight served as a reminder that tactical prowess and ring generalship, while valuable, are not always enough to captivate audiences. Boxing fans crave action, excitement, and a willingness to engage, and this bout, while technically proficient, ultimately fell short in delivering those qualities. The victory improved Haney’s record to 32-0, while Ramirez fell to 29-3. The conversation after the fight was not how great Haney fought, but what Ryan Garcia may have done to change him as a fighter.