Things weren’t supposed to play out that way.

On April 20th, 2024, Devin Haney was supposed to have another run-of-the-mill defense of his WBC junior welterweight title. Yet, Ryan Garcia had other plans. The flashy but vagarious contender walked into the ring in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and went on to drop Haney three times before grabbing a decision win.

That victory, of course, has been marred in controversy thanks to a failed post-fight drug test from Garcia. Although that loss was scrubbed from his record, there’s an indelible memory of Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) peeling himself up off the canvas that can’t be wiped away.

Come May 2nd, the 26-year-old will do his best to put good footage out there when he returns against Jose Ramirez at a catchweight of 144 pounds. If he wins, and if Garcia takes care of business against Rolando “Rolly” Romero on the same card, the two will run things back.

Prior to having it taken to him, Haney was known for his bombastic personality and his willingness to fight any and everyone. Now, fans are questioning whether or not things have changed.

Will the next few steps in his career be taken with more caution?

Will he avoid certain fighters?

Is he still as determined as he once was?

Is his confidence shattered?

All of those questions are up for debate but while he understands everyone’s reasoning, Haney is somewhat irked by it all. After becoming an undisputed champion at 135 pounds and winning a world title at 140, Haney wants to assure his fans, and even his doubters, that he’ll be the same ole ambitious Devin when he makes his return.

“I still got that hunger,” said Haney to Naji on Cigar Talk. “I still want to prove myself, still wanna prove that I’m the best.”