Devin Haney returned to the ring on May 2, 2025, and maintained his undefeated record with a unanimous decision victory over Jose Ramirez at The Ring’s Fatal Fury: City of Wolves event held in the heart of Times Square, New York City. However, the bout was far from the thrilling spectacle fans had hoped for, as it was marked by a lack of action and a surprisingly cautious performance from Haney.
The judges scored the fight 119-109, 119-109, and 118-110, all in favor of Haney, who improved his record to 32-0 with 15 knockouts. Ramirez, on the other hand, dropped to 29-3, and his performance raised questions about his future in the sport. The fight featured a combined total of only 503 punches thrown, making it one of the least active bouts in CompuBox history for a 12-round fight.
From the opening bell, Haney appeared tentative, perhaps still feeling the psychological effects of his previous encounter with Ryan Garcia, where he suffered three knockdowns in a match that was later ruled a no contest due to Garcia’s failed drug test. In the first round, Haney backpedaled while Ramirez pressed forward, landing a couple of left punches. Haney’s performance was characterized by a lack of engagement, as he often refrained from throwing punches for extended periods. CompuBox statistics revealed that Haney landed just 70 of 224 punches, while Ramirez managed to connect with only 40 of 279.
As the rounds progressed, Haney began to find his rhythm, landing a few combinations and showing flashes of his speed and skill. However, his reluctance to engage fully left fans and commentators disappointed. Notable boxing figures took to social media to express their dismay at the lack of excitement in the fight. Dillian Whyte tweeted, "This Haney fight is trash I can’t believe I stayed up for this," while Conor Benn quipped, "The judges won’t have a scorecard because they’re all asleep."
Despite the criticism, Haney’s corner reassured him, and he gradually opened up his offense in the later rounds. By the eighth round, he was finally landing significant shots, including a lead left hook and a series of combinations that showcased his punching power. However, he still failed to capitalize on Ramirez’s apparent fatigue and lack of aggression.
Throughout the fight, Ramirez struggled to keep pace with Haney’s speed and movement. Although he attempted to apply pressure, his energy seemed depleted, and he was unable to mount a significant offensive effort. As the fight wore on, it became clear that Ramirez was not the same fighter he once was, raising concerns about his future in the sport. At just 32 years old, the former champion may need to reassess his career trajectory.
Post-fight, the boxing community reflected on Haney’s performance and its implications for his upcoming rematch with Ryan Garcia, which is expected to take place later this year. Many experts noted that while Haney secured the victory, his lack of assertiveness in the ring against a seemingly washed-up Ramirez did little to inspire confidence in his ability to compete against a more aggressive opponent like Garcia.
As boxing fans await the rematch, questions linger about what Haney must do to reclaim his status as a top contender. His cautious approach against Ramirez, coupled with the lack of urgency to finish the fight, suggests that he may need to adopt a more aggressive strategy to be successful against Garcia.
In the aftermath of the fight, social media continued to buzz with reactions. Jack Catterall humorously remarked, "Tell you what I get called boring this makes me look like a prime Marvin Hagler," while Dan Rafael described the fight as "one of the worst fights I have seen in a long time." Even Todd Grisham chimed in, anticipating how Haney’s father would spin the performance in the post-fight analysis.
As the boxing world digests the results from Times Square, Haney’s next steps will be crucial. He must decide whether to continue with his current approach or to find a way to reignite the excitement that once surrounded his career. The fight against Ramirez may not have been the triumphant return fans expected, but it has set the stage for a pivotal rematch with Garcia, where both fighters will be looking to prove themselves once again.
In conclusion, while Devin Haney remains undefeated, his lackluster performance against Jose Ramirez raises significant questions about his readiness for a rematch with Ryan Garcia. As the boxing community watches closely, the stakes have never been higher for the young champion.
