Devin Haney Conquers Ryan Garcia Fears, Emerges Stronger for Brian Norman Showdown

DEVIN HANEY overcame the demons that came from his Ryan Garcia nightmare to return as a mentally tougher fighter.

Haney was dropped three times – bravely making it to his feet to see the final bell – before

Ryan Garcia’s win over Devin Haney was overturnedCredit: Getty

But Haney’s New York horror show soon turned into a doping scandal after – known to boost testosterone.

Garcia did test clean leading up to the bout but was found to have the banned substance in his system in samples taken on the day of the fight and 24 hours beforehand.

Haney’s loss was chalked off but still the questions remained after he was dominated and floored in spite of the subsequent doping breach.

The American – who faces Brian Norman Jr on Saturday live on DAZN PPV – returned in May and put on a cautious display

But five months later – and now no longer needing to fend off questions over his mindset – Haney says the ordeal against was a blessing in disguise.

He told SunSport: “I didn’t feel more nervous.

“I actually felt a bit more relaxed because in a fight, it’s the fear of the unknown, so we see what could happen, the worst that could have happened, it happened at the Ryan fight.

“And it made me stronger mentally, physically, and it showed that I can take a punch, even with a guy who’s on PEDs and get back up and still fight.

“So I showed the dog, any question marks, I answered that. So I went into the Ramirez fight with confidence knowing that if it got to that point, I was battle tested.”

and two years later, ruled the 135lb division with undisputed belts to his name.

He also reigned with the 140lb WBC title before making a move up to 147lb to challenge for unbeaten Norman’s WBO belt.

Haney has become boxing’s marmite star, willing to risk his record against the best opposition in the world.

Yet he faces harsh criticism while controversial rivals like Garcia, 26, receive the less deserving love from the sport’s often fickle fans.

But unbothered Haney, 26, hit back: “I think I will get the credit that I deserve.

“For this fight, they rated Norman as the best guy in the division, which I do think is the best guy in the division, which I haven’t fought there yet.

“So I think that once I beat him, then I become the man of the division, I become top dog, and that’s how I like it. I want to fight the best fighters in the world.

“I want to make the best fights happen and I’m one fight away from being the best guy in the division.”

Haney facing off with Brian NormanCredit: ring magazine