Devin Haney’s defensive flaws reared its ugly head during his fight against Ryan Garcia last year, as Haney seemingly couldn’t stop his rival’s left hook from landing.

Haney was dropped thrice and hurt badly but got up to show a bevy of heart and bravado to finish the fight. Haney realizes he can’t rely on resilience again when he takes on Jose Ramirez on May 2 as part of a Ring Magazine card in Times Square, New York on DAZN.

“Over the last few months, we've been looking at the Garcia fight and some of the obvious mistakes I made and perfecting those so I can be a better fighter,” Haney told The Ring in an interview. “I've improved on a lot of things and I will show on May 2. It's not for me to tell. The world will see how I improved.”

Haney needs to demonstrate a new and improved version of himself when he faces Ramirez. Although Haney initially lost a majority decision to Garcia, the result was later overturned and ruled a No Contest after it was revealed that Garcia tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug Ostarine. Garcia was later suspended and fined and Haney even sued Garcia.

Following a controversial buildup to the Garcia fight, the promotion leading up to the Ramirez clash is more calm, controlled, and relaxed for Haney as he’s split time training in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and the wilderness of Big Bear, California, while preparing for his revival.

“Seems like I haven't had a victory in a little while now,” said Haney. “This is the longest I have ever gone without a win. I'm just looking to go in there and win.”

The former 135 and 140-pound champion Haney (30-0, 15 KOs) is moving up in weight to face Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs) in a 144-pound catchweight bout. The plan is to move to 147 pounds to face Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) in the rematch if he wins and if Garcia beats Rolando Romero (16-2, 13 KOs) on the same night.

“I think I am going to be better and much stronger [at the new weights],” said Haney. “I am naturally a big guy. I can make 140 pounds, but I will feel more comfortable fighting at the catchweight of 144. I am excited about that.

“I've been fighting guys like Ramirez since I was a kid. That's his only style of fighting – to come forward and put pressure. That's pretty much everybody's game plan against me. It's what I am used to. I've seen a million Jose Ramirez's in my career. It will be just another day in the office for me.”