Haney Says Lopez Declined A Fight: “He Said No; He’s Not Ready”

Devin Haney Turned Down By Teofimo Lopez Once More

Five months after his last fight, two-division champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (31-0, 15 KO’s) is ready to return to action. Looking to get back into the public eye, Haney provided boxing phenomenon Andre Ward a sit-down interview. During the diatribe, it was revealed that a new offer was sent to long-time rival WBO 140-pound champion Teofimo “The Takeover” Lopez (21-1, 13 KO’s). Sadly, according to Haney, Lopez was not up for the challenge.

“It’s funny that you ask that because I was supposed to have a stay-busy fight – like get back in the ring in October in Saudi and then the next fight was going to be Teo. Turki [Alashikh] and the guys offered him a fight and he said no; he’s not ready.”

CHANGING TIDES

This is noteworthy because a short three months ago, Haney was named WBC champion in recess and accused of directly ducking mandatory challenger Sandor Martin and Lopez. Haney said that rather than fight anyone, especially for short money, he was taking a year off and suggesting a move up in weight. Clearly, that didn’t stick.

At that time, The Dream was still rebounding from the brutish loss he suffered at Ryan Garcia’s hands. Garcia, who came in overweight and later flagged for PEDs, ultimately had his victory overturned.

Regardless of this, the world still saw King Ry repeatedly chop Haney in the side of his head with that nasty, axe-heavy left hook. Three times The Dream hit the deck. To his credit, Haney showed major heart by finding his feet each time and keeping it pushing. Yet, those images of him splayed out and teetering on the edge of disaster can’t be unseen.

JUST GET IT DONE

Now, according to Haney himself, he is back and looking to fix it up soon. Considering that Lopez has not announced a new fight date or opponent, it will be compelling to hear why he didn’t want to dance with Haney. It would not be the first time that he or his team swerved a fight with The Dream.

Ideally though, this long sought duel can be staged once and for all. Both boxers are in need of impressive wins. Haney – due to his drubbing and Lopez – for racking up lackluster showings and gift decisions. A win over the other would help rinse these performances out the mouth and could potentially lead to a lucrative rematch.

In the meantime, both boxers still need opponents. So it will be very informative to see who they each sign on the dotted line with next.

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