“Devin Haney beats Rolly Romero by decision,” Algieri said goat scene. “Haney has the superior jab, better distance management and overall ring IQ to control the fight from the outside.”
Algieri also noted that Romero’s power and explosiveness would pose real danger if the fight moved into close exchanges. The WBA champion has shown an ability to make infighting uncomfortable for opponents, and Algieri pointed out that Romero’s judo background adds to his power in clinches and close-range situations.
“Rolly has that explosive left hook, he’s strong on the inside, and his judo background helps him win and mix it up up close,” Algieri said.
According to Algieri, Haney’s main priority will be to avoid those exchanges and keep the fight on the end of his jab, where his timing and reactions are more effective.
“If Haney gets caught up in those exchanges or lets it turn into a phone booth fight, Rolly can make it dangerous with power shots,” Algieri said.
Even with that threat, Algieri expects Haney’s patience and footwork to lead the fight to a controlled decision. The undefeated WBO welterweight champion has relied heavily on his jab and lane management throughout his career, tools that Algieri says will allow him to manage Romero’s power over twelve rounds.
“But Devin is smart enough to stay on the end of the jab, use footwork to dictate distance and avoid those exchanges,” Algieri said. “That’s why I see him winning a tactical decision, probably not the most exciting fight.”
Haney and Romero have recently been linked in discussions about a welterweight unification bout, which would bring together Haney’s technical approach with Romero’s aggressive power if negotiations between their teams move forward.
