Bill Haney, the father and trainer of Devin Haney, has officially identified Jaron “Boots” Ennis, Sebastian Fundora, and Vergil Ortiz Jr. as the primary targets for his son’s next career move.
During an interview with Cigar Talk on May 6, 2026, Haney discussed the future of the former undisputed champion, emphasizing a desire for elite opposition. These names represent a significant shift in weight class focus for Devin Haney following his recent move toward the welterweight and junior middleweight divisions.
The comments align with Devin Haney’s current status as he weighs his options in the higher weight classes. While recent discussions have frequently mentioned fighters like Shakur Stevenson, Conor Benn, and Keyshawn Davis, Bill Haney’s latest remarks narrow the focus to the 147 and 154-pound elites.
Bill Haney stated clearly that the team wants “the biggest fights,” specifically pointing toward the threats posed by Ennis, Fundora, and Ortiz Jr. as the challenges fans truly want to see.
This expansion into higher weight classes effectively rules out any immediate return to the lightweight division. Bill Haney confirmed that Devin has no plans to return to lightweight, preferring to explore the 147 to 154-pound landscape. This career trajectory mirrors that of other top-tier operators like com/vincenzo-gualtieri-vs-amari-jones-ibf-eliminator-details/”>Vincenzo Gualtieri facing rising middleweight contenders, where the pursuit of gold in higher divisions becomes the priority over defending lower-weight titles.
Establishing the belt condition for Jaron Boots Ennis
While Jaron “Boots” Ennis remains a priority on the list, Bill Haney has set a specific condition for that matchup to take place at 154 pounds. In March 2026, the trainer clarified that Ennis must win a world title at 154 lbs before the fight can be revisited at that weight.
“He doesn’t have a belt at 154,” Bill Haney noted, recalling earlier interest in facing Ennis at 147 lbs when Ennis held a world title in the welterweight division.
Past negotiations between the two camps have been complicated. In May 2026, Ennis reported that he had accepted an offer from Team Haney for a 152-pound catchweight bout. Ennis’s team originally wanted the fight at the 147-pound limit, but after Haney decided to move up, Ennis agreed to the higher weight.
Despite this verbal agreement, the deal did not materialize, leaving both fighters to pursue other options in the interim.
Bill Haney views a potential clash with Ennis as a “risk-everything” type of fight. He suggests that such a match is inevitable, telling Cigar Talk it is simply a matter of when and what titles will be on the line. But for now, the wait continues as both camps look to secure the necessary leverage.
This kind of boxing contract dispute often stalls major negotiations, even when both athletes have expressed a willingness to trade leather in the ring.
Assessing Sebastian Fundora and Vergil Ortiz Jr
Beyond Ennis, the Haney camp is closely monitoring the current junior middleweight landscape. Bill Haney’s list includes concrete targets who currently hold the keys to the division’s titles and prestige:
- Sebastian Fundora: The current WBC and WBO junior middleweight champion. A fight with the “Towering Inferno” is viewed by the camp as an “internet-breaking” event.
- Vergil Ortiz Jr.: Bill Haney argues that Ortiz Jr. is a “more meaningful” opponent for the division’s top stars than other rising prospects.
- Gervonta Davis: Bill Haney stated that Davis is at the top of Devin Haney’s list of desired opponents, despite the physical weight differences.
- Shakur Stevenson: A fight remains “on the table” according to Bill Haney, as Stevenson is firmly on the list of desired opponents.
The challenges of finalizing a Vergil Ortiz Jr clash
Vergil Ortiz Jr. is regarded by Bill Haney as one of the most dangerous pressure fighters in boxing. Haney recently claimed that fans are clamoring for Ortiz’s name more than other contenders. However, making a fight with Ortiz Jr. involves navigating complex industry hurdles.
Jaron Ennis previously noted that three separate dates for a fight with Ortiz fell through due to legal complications involving Golden Boy Promotions and ongoing industry disputes.
Bill Haney believes a fight with Ortiz would answer more questions for the fans than many other proposed matchups. By including Devin Haney’s name in the conversation with Ortiz, Bill is positioning his son as a fighter ready to take on the most avoided punchers in the sport.
But until the “legal complications” surrounding Ortiz’s promotional situation are resolved, any potential agreement remains speculative rather than imminent.
The strategic focus on Ortiz and Fundora highlights a departure from earlier pursuits, such as the failed negotiations with Rolando “Rolly” Romero. In late 2025, Bill Haney targeted a bout with Romero, which supposedly led to a signed deal for a May 30 event at the Barclays Center.
However, Devin Haney eventually moved on from the Romero fight in January 2026 due to money issues, following a trend where accusations of ducking often follow failed purse negotiations in the high-stakes world of championship boxing.
Future outlook for Devin Haney in higher divisions
The move to target 147 and 154-pounders signals a definitive chapter in Devin Haney’s professional career. By focusing on elite champions like Fundora and dangerous contenders like Ortiz Jr., the Haney camp is prioritizing high-profile challenges. Bill Haney’s public call-outs indicate that the team is ready to gamble their status for a chance to dominate a third weight class.
For now, Devin Haney has no official fight scheduled. Bill Haney’s remarks have successfully stirred the division, placing pressure on other champions to respond. Whether these ambitions result in a title shot against Sebastian Fundora or a blockbuster catchweight with Jaron Ennis will depend on the promotional maneuvering in the months ahead.
The boxing world remains on high alert for the next official announcement from Team Haney.
