LOS ANGELES – All the talk is on the vulnerability of Devin Haney’s chin, but Jose Ramirez isn’t the one giving those doubts a voice.

Central California’s Ramirez, 29-2 (18 KOs), would rather focus on how his move from being a former 140lbs champion to welterweight will give him a powerful edge that could sway his May 2 bout with former two-division champion Haney 31-0 (15 KOs) in New York’s Times Square in Ramirez’s favor.

“My goal is to go out there and make a great statement, regardless if he has a great chin or not,” Ramirez told BoxingScene Monday at the second press tour stop for the card that also includes the welterweight main event of Ryan Garcia versus Rolly Romero and the WBO 140lbs title defense of Teofimo Lopez versus No. 1 contender Arnold Barboza.

At 32, Ramirez is coming off a narrow unanimous-decision loss to Barboza in Saudi Arabia in November, as two judges scored against Ramirez, 96-94.

The special fight stage and the weight increase have jolted Ramirez, a 2012 U.S. Olympian who fights under 2024 trainer of the year Robert Garcia in Moreno Valley, California.

“You know me, I work hard. I do my talking in the ring,” Ramirez said after Lopez slapped Barboza during their face-off on stage. “All this drama … it’s good for boxing, but it’s not for me.

“I’ll be ready to give my full explanation [over the loss to Barboza] after I fight at 147. You guys will see a new version of Jose Ramirez.”

That matters more than Haney’s chin, although Ramirez said he’ll be eager to test it after Garcia knocked down Haney three times in their April 20, 2024, bout that was changed from a Garcia victory by majority decision to a no-contest due to Garcia’s positive tests for the banned performance-enhancing drug Ostarine.

“I’m not worried about what Ryan did to Haney, bro. It’s my job to go out there and create my own legacy,” Ramirez said. “I’ll make my statement my own way.”

Both Ramirez and trainer Garcia know the phrase “damaged goods” applies to some fighters, perhaps Haney.

“We’ll see how he’s doing mentally, but I’m expecting the best version of Devin Haney. I don’t want any excuses,” Ramirez said. “And whatever plans they have for Devin Haney, I want those plans if I beat him.”

Haney and Garcia are favored to win and meet in their rematch in October in Saudi Arabia.

“He’s very motivated, ready to fight and ready to surprise the world,” Robert Garcia said. “Jose’s about fighting the best. He doesn’t want to take his time. He wants to fight the best.”