Devin Haney facts for kids

Devin Miles Haney is an American professional boxer. He was born on November 17, 1998. Devin has won many world championships in two different weight classes. He was the undisputed champion in the lightweight division from 2022 to 2023. He also held the World Boxing Council (WBC) super lightweight title from 2023 to 2024.

Early Life and Boxing Start

Devin Haney was born in San Francisco, California. He lived in Oakland, California when he was a child. At age 14, he moved to Las Vegas with his father, Bill Haney. Devin started boxing when he was just seven years old. He is a practicing Muslim.

Devin Haney's Professional Boxing Journey

Lightweight Division Fights

Starting His Career

Devin Haney began his professional boxing career with many wins. On January 11, 2019, he won a tough fight against Xolisani Ndongeni. He won by a unanimous decision after 10 rounds.

On May 25, 2019, Haney knocked out Antonio Moran in the seventh round. This was his first fight with Matchroom, a big boxing promoter.

Later that year, on September 13, 2019, Haney fought Zaur Abdullaev. He won the fight and earned the WBC interim lightweight title. This was a big step in his career.

Becoming WBC Lightweight Champion

In October 2019, Devin Haney became the official WBC lightweight champion. This happened after the previous champion, Vasiliy Lomachenko, was given a special "Franchise Champion" title by the WBC.

First Title Defenses

In November 2019, Haney defended his title for the first time against Alfredo Santiago. He won by unanimous decision. During this fight, he hurt his shoulder and needed surgery. This kept him out of the ring until the summer of 2020. Even though he was injured, he kept his title as "champion in recess."

On November 7, 2020, Haney defended his WBC lightweight title against Yuriorkis Gamboa. Devin won the fight easily by unanimous decision. Two judges said he won every single round.

Big Fights and Undisputed Title

Many people thought Devin's fight against Jorge Linares on May 29, 2021, would be his toughest test. Linares was a former world champion in three different weight classes. Haney won by unanimous decision. He controlled most of the fight.

On December 4, 2021, Haney fought Joseph Diaz. Devin won this fight by unanimous decision as well. After the win, Haney said he wanted to fight George Kambosos Jr. to become the undisputed lightweight champion. This meant holding all four major world titles.

Becoming Undisputed Lightweight Champion

In June 2022, Devin Haney faced George Kambosos Jr. in Australia. Haney won the fight by outboxing Kambosos. He became the first undisputed lightweight champion in the four-belt era. The judges all scored the fight for Haney.

The fight deal included a rematch clause. Kambosos used this, and the rematch happened in October 2022, also in Australia. Haney won again by unanimous decision, proving he was still the best.

Haney vs. Lomachenko

On May 20, 2023, Haney defended his undisputed lightweight titles against Vasiliy Lomachenko. Lomachenko was a very experienced former champion. The fight was very close and exciting. Both boxers landed good punches.

Haney won the fight by a decision that some people disagreed with. Many thought Lomachenko had done enough to win. However, the judges gave the win to Haney. After the fight, Haney said Lomachenko was his toughest opponent yet. The fight was praised as thrilling. Haney was later fined for pushing Lomachenko at the weigh-in.

There was some discussion about comments Haney made in 2020. After the Lomachenko fight, Haney stated on Twitter that he is not racist and wants to be a good role model. He also spoke with the WBC president to confirm his commitment against discrimination.

Super Lightweight Division Fights

Winning a New Title

On December 9, 2023, Devin Haney moved up to a new weight class. He challenged Regis Prograis for the WBC super lightweight title in San Francisco.

Even though it was his first fight at this weight, Haney completely dominated Prograis. He won every round and even knocked Prograis down once. Haney won by unanimous decision, becoming a world champion in a second weight class at age 25.

Haney vs. Garcia

Haney fought Ryan Garcia on April 20, 2024, for the WBC super lightweight title. Before the fight, Garcia weighed in over the limit. This meant the fight would not be for the title, and Garcia had to pay Haney a large sum of money.

Haney was knocked down three times during the fight and lost by a majority decision. However, on June 20, 2024, the fight result was changed to a "no contest." This happened because Garcia was found to have used a banned substance. He was fined and suspended.

On June 24, 2024, Devin Haney asked the WBC to be given "Champion in Recess" status, which they approved. This means he can still challenge for the title when he returns.

Welterweight Division Fights

Moving Up Again

Devin Haney moved up to the welterweight division. On May 2, 2025, he fought José Ramírez in Times Square, New York. Haney won this fight by unanimous decision.

Devin Haney's Boxing Record Summary

Boxing Titles Devin Haney Has Held

Major World Titles

• WBA (Super) lightweight champion (135 lbs)
• WBC lightweight champion (135 lbs)
• IBF lightweight champion (135 lbs)
• WBO lightweight champion (135 lbs)
• WBC light welterweight champion (140 lbs)

The Ring Magazine Titles

• The Ring lightweight champion (135 lbs)

Interim World Titles

• WBC interim lightweight champion (135 lbs)

Minor World Titles

• WBC Youth lightweight champion (135 lbs)

Regional/International Titles

• WBA International lightweight champion (135 lbs)
• WBC International lightweight champion (135 lbs)
• USBA lightweight champion (135 lbs)
• IBF North American lightweight champion (135 lbs)
• WBO Inter-Continental lightweight champion (135 lbs)

Undisputed Titles

• Undisputed lightweight champion

See also

In Spanish: Devin Haney para niños

• List of world lightweight boxing champions
• List of world light-welterweight boxing champions