The last few months have not been the easiest in Devin Haney’s illustrious boxing career. In fact, “The Dream” experienced something of a nightmare in 2024.

Haney’s April 20 showdown with old amateur rival Ryan Garcia was surrounded by controversy. There was Garcia’s disturbing pre-fight theatrics, then his passing in weight that put him nearly four pounds over the 140-pound championship limit.

The fight still took place at the Barclays Center in New York and was a devastating experience for Haney. The champion was knocked down three times and lost by majority decision after 12 rounds, his first as a professional, and that hurt.

MORE: Ryan Garcia tweets timeline, history of disturbing comments

However, in the days that followed, it was discovered that Garcia had tested positive for a banned substance (Ostarine), and the NYSAC declared the fight void. Although Haney’s winning streak was restored, a large group of combat sports fans vowed never to forget the loss to Garcia.

In June, Haney finally decided to give up the WBC super lightweight title rather than take a mandatory fight against Sandor Martin. This fight was of no interest to Haney from the start, and when Top Rank made the only bid for the fight at $2.42 million, you just knew it wasn’t going to happen.

Haney is a proud man and is now ready for his return to the ring. He has hinted at both a target and a possible opponent.

The Sporting News predicts the next step for the former king of lightweight and super lightweight.

Will Devin Haney fight Ryan Garcia next?

Forget the fact that he was heavily lined up for the Haney fight, Garcia took unfair drugs for a banned substance and accepted a 12-month suspension. This first fight is therefore void, so there is a score to settle.

Unfortunately, fans will have to wait. If the sequel happens, it won’t be until summer 2025 at the earliest. Garcia needs to get back in shape and maybe he wants a warm-up fight first.

Will Devin Haney fight Mario Barrios next?

When Terence Crawford vacated the WBC welterweight title in June, San Antonio’s Mario Barrios was upgraded to full champion – news that immediately caught Haney’s attention.

“Mauriciooooo..” said the former champion to WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman when he learned of Barrios’ new status at X.

From this answer, we can conclude that Haney is interested in moving up to welterweight to pursue a third-division title. Considering he gained a massive 20 pounds after weighing in for a 140-pound title fight with Regis Prograis, the move up might make sense.

Barrios was hoping for an unlikely duel with the ageing all-time star Manny Pacquiao, but the 45-year-old Filipino’s lackluster performance in an exhibition match with a kickboxer put a cold damper on that idea.

For Haney, it could be a matter of the right time and the right place.

MORE: SN’s Top 12 Best Pound-for-Pound Boxers

Will Devin Haney fight in Saudi Arabia?

On Tuesday, Haney made his intentions clear. “The game is not the same… it’s time for me to come back,” the former champion said on X.

Shortly thereafter, Turki Al-Sheikh responded: “Do your job, champion!” Haney returned almost immediately and explained that he had never been away from the sport.

Given this exchange, it’s safe to assume that Haney’s season debut will be next in line in Riyadh. The question is, who will be in the other corner?