Bill Haney Targets Rolando Romero as Devin Haney’s Next Big Challenge

A Father’s Vision

Bill Haney, the father, trainer, and manager of newly crowned three-division champion Devin Haney, recently revealed his plans for his son’s next major fight. In an extensive conversation with BoxingScene, Bill outlined a roadmap that aims to cement Devin’s legacy as one of the all-time greats in boxing. At the forefront of his sights is WBA welterweight titleholder Rolando “Rolly” Romero.

Haney’s ambition is clear: to push Devin Haney toward boxing’s “Mount Rushmore,” a distinction reserved for the sport’s elite. “We were there when there were sides of the streets and politics that kept guys from reaching the legacy they deserved since fighting as young kids,” Bill said, reflecting on his experiences guiding Devin from early youth competitions to the international stage.

Romero in the Crosshairs

Rolando Romero, currently holding a 17-2 record with 13 knockouts, has proven himself in high-stakes bouts, most notably defeating Ryan Garcia to capture the WBA belt in May. According to Bill Haney, Romero is the natural next step for Devin as he continues to ascend the ranks.

Bill expressed mixed feelings about Romero’s capabilities: “I’m not sure if Rolando Romero is a comedian in a boxer’s outfit or a fighter with an equalizer in his gloves. He’s talked and talked and talked until the talking is over, and now Devin is looking for some new hardware to take.” The statement reflects a blend of respect and challenge, signaling that Devin is ready to test himself against all credible opposition.

Devin Haney’s Recent Triumphs

Devin Haney’s path to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. The 27-year-old has captured titles across three weight divisions and recently shined on the Night of Champions card in Saudi Arabia, defeating the previously unbeaten Brian Norman Jr. in a performance that reinforced his position among boxing’s elite.

Bill Haney is quick to highlight that these accomplishments aren’t just numbers—they’re a testament to Devin’s skill, work ethic, and determination. “Right now, we have Rolly Romero in our sights—the guy who beat Ryan Garcia,” he said. “We’ll get to those other names at a later date.”

Conor Benn and Ryan Garcia Commentary

While Romero is the immediate target, Bill Haney didn’t shy away from addressing other figures in the boxing world. He notably commented on Conor Benn, son of British boxing legend Nigel Benn, dismissing him as untested at the top level: “Conor, you’ve never faced a top-10 fighter. You’ve never faced an ex-champ or the champ. Keep Devin’s name out of your mouth until you’ve accomplished something in the sport.”

Similarly, Bill referenced Ryan Garcia and other fighters with previous controversies, suggesting that Devin’s team is focused on meaningful challenges rather than hype or drama. “All respect to the Benns and Eubanks for a historic event that didn’t mean anything,” he said. “They’re the kings of the playground, but now let us get back to original programming and big-boy business.”

Timing and Promotion

Negotiations for the Devin Haney vs. Rolando Romero fight are reportedly in motion, with Saudi boxing financier Turki Alalshikh potentially staging the bout as early as late February. Bill Haney expressed confidence that when the right promoter is involved, the fight will happen: “We don’t need to talk anybody into a fight. When Turki Alalshikh is involved, the right things happen. The best fights happen. The only reason this fight wouldn’t happen is if Rolly Romero is scared to death.”

Bill emphasized that both families—Haneys and Romeros—are from Las Vegas, hinting that a mutual respect exists that will facilitate negotiations while still promising fireworks inside the ring.

The Role of Legacy

For Bill Haney, this fight isn’t just another bout—it’s a step toward legacy building. He’s publicly framing Devin’s career in terms of historical significance, emphasizing that the young fighter has already accomplished more in 27 years than many boxers achieve in two lifetimes.

By targeting Romero next, Bill aims to continue that trajectory while keeping the focus on top-tier opponents. The message is clear: each fight is a stepping stone to the kind of enduring recognition that separates the good from the great.

Promoting Discipline and Respect

Throughout his commentary, Bill Haney balanced bravado with principles of discipline and respect. While dismissing some opponents as unproven or overhyped, he consistently emphasized that Devin’s success comes from preparation, focus, and the right competition. This dual message resonates with fans who crave both excitement and integrity in boxing.

Looking Ahead

The boxing world is watching closely as negotiations and training camps ramp up. Devin Haney’s next fight against Rolando Romero promises to be more than just another title defense—it represents a strategic, career-defining clash with implications for rankings, legacy, and public perception.

For fans, analysts, and fellow fighters, the excitement is palpable. If the bout goes as Bill Haney envisions, it will set the stage for Devin to further solidify his place among boxing’s elite while providing fans with a memorable showdown in the welterweight division.

Conclusion

Bill Haney’s public statements make it clear that Devin Haney’s career is carefully managed with both ambition and strategy. By targeting Rolando Romero as the next challenge, the Haneys are emphasizing meaningful competition, legacy-building, and the pursuit of top-tier success.

In a sport often clouded by speculation and hype, Bill’s approach is refreshingly direct: focus on the best fights, challenge the strongest opponents, and continue building a legacy that will be remembered long after the final bell rings. With Romero in the crosshairs and Saudi promotions potentially facilitating the bout, the next chapter of Devin Haney’s career promises to deliver drama, skill, and historic significance for boxing fans worldwide.