‘I think he’s gonna sign for Zuffa’ Eddie Hearn talks next move for current world champion
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Devin Haney was a fighter who has attracted criticism throughout his career, with some feeling he was lucky to be given the verdict in a fight against Vasyl Lomachenko, and being visibly hurt against an ageing Jorge Linares. “The Dream” was promoted by Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing in several fights, with Devin, Eddie Hearn, and Bill Haney all having publicly disagreed at various points since their promotional agreement ended.
Haney’s career, despite some criticism, was perfect until he suffered multiple knockdowns in a damaging defeat to Ryan Garcia. The fight was later declared a no-contest, with Haney still trying to repair his image. Eddie Hearn recently spoke to Fight Hub TV, boldly declaring he thinks Haney (33-0, 15 KOs) will sign for Zuffa Boxing.
The recovery of Devin Haney
On June 20, 2024, the New York State Athletic Commission overturned Garcia’s win to a no-contest after he tested positive for the banned substance ostarine on both the day before and the day of the fight. He was suspended for a year and forfeited his purse. Despite this and the reinstatement of his undefeated record, Haney is often ridiculed online for the defeat.
Since returning, Haney has moved to the 147-pound division, where he delivered an unconvincing win over Jose Ramirez before stepping up in class and producing a disciplined performance to defeat Brian Norman Jr to win the WBO welterweight title.
That victory has revitalised the career of Haney.
Eddie Hearn teases Devin Haney to Zuffa Boxing
Discussing Matchroom’s relationship with Haney, and revealing who he believes he will sign with, Hearn said:
“Devin knows our number. He’s not really interested in that number. We’re not falling out, but if he can get a crazy deal from someone that really needs him or to make a statement, take it. And he will take it. I think he’s gonna sign for Zuffa because they’ll pay him well over the odds, and I won’t.
“So, that was what I was talking about by that. You know, I always say to Devin, ‘Listen, if you ever want to fight, we’re here, but you know what we’re gonna pay,’ and he’s made a lot of money, so good luck to him.”
When asked who Haney will have to fight to make it worthwhile for Hearn, the Matchroom Sport chairman said: “Devin against Ryan Garcia. Devin’s got great value, but Devin against, just a defence, there’s a ceiling to the purse. And he’s not interested in that money. ’Cause he’s made a lot of money, and he’s right by the way.
“I get it, but we’ll always be there for each other, but he also knows this is the kind of number that I would pay, and it’s probably miles away from what Zuffa will pay, ‘cause they’re desperate and they need talent. So if they can get Devin Haney and pay him double or treble what anyone else is gonna pay him, why not?”