Former boxing opponent Jorge Linares commented this Wednesday that Devin Haney's increased weight could boost his knockout potential in the upcoming 140-pound title fight at Barclays Center on Saturday.
Jorge Linares, who faced Haney in a 2021 bout, discussed the physical advantages for Haney since he moved up from 135 to 140 pounds. During a segment on ProBox TV titled "Deep Waters," Linares pointed out that after rehydrating, Haney weighed in at 154 pounds which might contribute to his strength and punch power.
Linares stated, "Haney moving from 135 to 140 is the best decision, because he can now have better power." He also mentioned that although Haney's punch isn't "100 percent good," approximately "60-70 percent," the increase in weight could mean a stronger performance.
Betting odds favor Haney heavily, positioning him at -900. However, odds suggest he remains an underdog for a victory by knockout or TKO at +150. Haney last secured a knockout win in 2019 but has maintained strong performances including capturing a belt at 140 pounds against Regis Prograis last December.
Devin Haney is recognized as the undisputed lightweight champion with significant victories over fighters like Vasiliy Lomachenko. In contrast, Ryan Garcia, another key figure in boxing known for his social media presence as much as his ring prowess, brought in notable pay-per-view buys of 1.2 million during his last match with Gervonta 'Tank' Davis.
Devin Haney's previous encounter with Linares saw him winning by unanimous decision with scores of 116-112 twice and 115-113 despite being significantly challenged in rounds 11 and 12. This experience adds crucial context as Linares recalls that he did not feel affected by Haney’s punches during their fight—a factor he attributes to weight cut issues previously faced by Haney.
