Former lightweight contender Frank Martin has praised Devin Haney as boxing’s primary risk-taker, highlighting his willingness to accept tough bouts. Martin contrasted Haney’s ambitious scheduling with rival fighters who turn down opportunities over immediate financial demands.
Evaluating the current state of the lighter weight divisions, Martin singled out Haney for consistently taking on difficult challenges that rival boxers tend to avoid. Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Martin stressed that Haney sets the standard for ambition in modern boxing.
“Dev is the only fighter out here really taking fights, you know, or risking,” Martin stated. He emphasized that this approach has been a constant feature of Haney’s career progression rather than a recent development. “He taking risky fights and he been doing it for a long time. I take my hat off to Devin just because of that.”
Haney demonstrated this willingness by travelling to Australia to win the undisputed lightweight title, before returning to fulfill the contractually mandated rematch. In contrast, other contenders have recently walked away from high-profile opportunities against him. Keyshawn Davis moved to welterweight and earned a mandatory position with the WBO, only to decline the fight when a deal was made available.
Martin believes Davis made a tactical error by rejecting the matchup over purse negotiations. “I get it. He wanted more money, you know. But the more money would have came. If you go and you win, you become that guy. You take that spot. Of course, the money going to go up.”
This critique extends to fighters seeking to copy Floyd Mayweather’s commercial leverage without making the necessary sacrifices first. Haney chose the opposite route, building his reputation by defeating respected opponents.
“He winning, beating fighters who people think he not going to beat. So, man, I give it to Devin right now.”
Martin credited Haney with possessing the greatest resolve among active fighters in the division. By continuing to accept genuine risks, Haney reinforces his position at the top level while others hesitate.
