Manny Pacquiao, boxing’s eight-division legend and soon-to-be Hall-of-Famer, has offered blunt advice to WBC welterweight hopeful Devin Haney: add sizzle to the skill set. Asked about Haney’s safety-first decision over Jose Ramirez on the Times Square “Fatal Fury” card, the 46-year-old icon praised Haney’s talent but warned that throwing just 224 punches in 12 rounds won’t keep fans or pay-per-view buyers coming back.
*“In boxing it’s how you entertain,” Pacquiao told reporters. “Make sure the people are satisfied every fight.” The Filipino southpaw built his own global following on break-neck pace and high-risk flurries, a stark contrast to Haney’s counter-punching minimalism. Pacquiao stressed that crowd engagement is “balance” - the only way to repay the supporters who elevate fighters to superstardom.
Whether Haney can - or should - pivot is debatable. At 26, the former undisputed lightweight champion has been criticized for low output against Prograis, Lomachenko and now Ramirez. His power has rarely deterred foes, and his chin wobbled under Ryan Garcia’s knuckles last year. Switching to a phone-booth style could expose brittle hands at 147 lbs.
Image Credit: ESPN