Former Devin Haney promoter Eddie Hearn echoed those sentiments even while acknowledging Haney’s achievements. But as he was offering him praise, he took no time to minimize Haney as a star attraction. During his interview after Haney took the WBO belt from Brian Norman Jr.
“You have to give Devin respect and credit. He just became a three-division world champion. It’s an amazing achievement,” Hearn said. “But no one is going to want to watch him fight.”
Hearn argued that Haney’s style is becoming a liability in the current era, especially with Saudi money and global exposure on the line.
“He’s fighting scared. He doesn’t want to engage at any moment during the fight,” Hearn continued. “You have Turki Alalshikh paying the money. Haney had the fight at Times Square against Ramirez, and now this. I told him after the fight you have to switch it up. You can’t keep fighting like that, because no one is going to want to tune in and watch.”
Hearn also made it clear that Matchroom’s priorities lie elsewhere.
“I wouldn’t say that he’s going to be the guy we are calling out. Styles make fights, and Conor is always going to be in exciting fights. He’s got his eyes on the WBC strap against Mario Barrios.”
Benn’s Roadmap: Barrios, Garcia, Rolly Not Haney
Fresh off his high-profile middleweight rematch win over Chris Eubank Jr., Benn (24-1, 14 KOs) has made it clear he intends to return to welterweight in 2026.
His wishlist does not start with Haney.
Benn says his preferred opponents are:
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Mario Barrios – the current WBC welterweight champion.
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Ryan Garcia – who’s set to face Barrios on Feb. 21.
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Rolando “Rolly” Romero who has long been linked to a Manny Pacquiao bout.
“I want to give the people Fight of the Year contenders,” Benn said.
“To see that in there what Haney did vs. Norman, I don’t want to give people that.”
In Benn’s eyes, Haney might be elite but he’s not “must-watch.” With promoter and fighter on the same page, we’ll see who ends up on Benn’s hitlist.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
