Danny Garcia, former world champion and one of boxing’s most respected voices, has weighed in on Devin Haney’s recent move to pursue bigger challenges, calling the decision “smart” while offering some crucial insight into the complex world of boxing negotiations and fighter strategy.

Haney, the undisputed lightweight champion, made headlines when he opted to vacate his titles after his last successful defense, signaling a move up in weight to challenge himself in new divisions. While some fans criticized the decision as “running” from challenges, Garcia took a more measured approach, explaining that Haney’s move was simply a smart business decision.

“I don’t blame him at all,” Garcia said during a recent interview. “In boxing, it’s all about your legacy, your career, and securing the best fights for yourself. If he feels moving up and taking bigger challenges is the right path, then that’s the smart move. There’s no shame in that.”

Garcia went on to emphasize that, in a sport where fighters are constantly navigating tough matchups and negotiations, the goal should always be to aim for better opportunities and higher-profile bouts. Moving up in weight and taking on new, dangerous challenges often carries significant rewards — both in terms of financial gain and long-term career growth.

In Haney’s case, the move comes after a lengthy reign at lightweight, where he faced some of the division’s best fighters, including George Kambosos Jr. and Vasyl Lomachenko. But despite his success, Haney had reached a point where his options in the lightweight division were dwindling. The fights that once appeared intriguing had either been made or seemed less likely to produce the same level of excitement.

“Boxing is a business, and fighters are always looking for the next big opportunity,” Garcia continued. “If you’re not getting the fights you want or you feel like you’ve done all you can at a certain weight, why not move up? It’s all about making the best move for your career. It’s not about running — it’s about looking for better fights.”

Garcia’s comments reflect a broader reality in boxing, where fighters often have to make tough decisions in balancing their long-term career ambitions with the short-term risks of staying in one weight class too long. The move up is not an admission of fear, but rather a calculated decision to keep evolving and aiming for greater challenges.

As for the fans who might be critical of Haney’s decision, Garcia encouraged them to understand the bigger picture. “Fans have to understand that boxing is a game of strategy. It’s not always about fighting the toughest guy in front of you for the sake of it. It’s about building a career and securing your future.”

In the end, Garcia made it clear: Haney’s decision is just a part of the process of building a legendary career, and if he continues to take on the best opposition, there’s no reason to criticize the strategy behind it.

As Devin Haney continues to carve his path through boxing, it’s clear that every decision he makes will be heavily scrutinized — but according to Danny Garcia, as long as he’s taking smart risks, no one can blame him for aiming high.