The Mr. Nice Guy front for Devin Haney is no more – he’s all in on embracing his new persona as a heel heading into his matchup against Jose Ramirez on May 2 as part of a Ring Magazine card in Times Square, New York on DAZN.

Much like Floyd Mayweather Jr. made a swift transition from his “Pretty Boy” phase to the “Money” mantra, the former two-division champion Haney is looking to follow a similar suit as he tries to rebuild his career following the controversial clash against Ryan Garcia.

“That's when Floyd became the big star, when he became the villain,” Haney told The Ring in an interview with his camera-ready smile. “I think the same way. That's when I will become a massive star now that I am crossing over. People want to see me lose now. They want to pay to see me lose. So I am happy.

“I was always the villain, but I was also a good guy. But I always wanted to be a villain because it's easy being the villain and it pays being the villain. I'm OK with being the villain. I was secretly the bad guy but was acting like the good guy. Now I can come out of the costume and just be me.”

Haney will also need to show a different side of himself in the ring against Ramirez following his shaky performance against Garcia last year. Haney was dropped three times and seemingly couldn’t stop his rival’s left hook and suffered a majority decision loss. However, Garcia tested positive for the performance enhancing drug Ostarine following the fight and was fined and suspended and the result of the fight was changed to a No Contest. Haney even sued Garcia for battery, breach of contract, and fraud, which further turned fans against him.

But Haney is unbothered by the haters.

“Life has been good,” he said. “I had time to rest and recover while taking some time away from boxing. I had a break and I needed it. I was still in the lab perfecting my craft, though away from the ring. I don't plan on [taking a break again] until I am done. I'm just happy for the break, to spend time with my family, my newborn baby, and to spend some of my money.”

Should Haney (30-0, 15 KOs) beat the former unified junior welterweight champion Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs), and if Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) bests Rolando Romero (16-2, 13 KOs), a rematch is likely later this year.

“Right now my main focus is Jose Ramirez, and then we'll get to Ryan,” said Haney. “I can't overlook Jose because I have to win that fight to get to the Ryan fight, and that's what I will do.

“I don't really believe in the pressure because it's what I do. This is my job. This is what I have been doing as a kid, and this is what I love to do. I just need to go in there and be me like I always do.”