Is Eddie Hearn Right About Devin Haney?

WBO Welterweight Champion Devin Haney has accused his former promoter, Eddie Hearn, of “switching up” his tune now that he no longer is with Matchroom Boxing.

Hearn argues that Haney is now “fighting for money rather than legacy.” However, during his time with Matchroom, Haney became undisputed at 135 pounds. He would then become the WBC Junior Welterweight Champion, making him a two-weight champ. Following his no-contest against Ryan Garcia, Haney’s approach in his next fight against Jose Ramirez involved constant movement and defense. Haney was dropped three times by Ryan and his brand was damaged. However, his last fight, a win over Brian Norman Jr., showed a more attacking Haney, who dropped his opponent on his way to becoming the WBO Welterweight Champion. Haney felt Hearn’s criticism was not genuine.

“When I was with him, he was saying one thing. Now that I’m not with him anymore, he’s saying another. That’s how promoters do. Once they can no longer make money and capitalize on you anymore, they turn sour. It’s nothing new. It’s not the first time that Eddie has done that, and it won’t be the last. I want to fight the best fighters in the world. I want to unify the division. Any one of those champions, I would love to fight,” Haney said

Who Is Right?

Haney’s move to 147 to fight Brian Norman Jr. for the WBO title could support Hearn’s viewpoint. While achieving a three-weight world championship status is a form of legacy, Norman Jr. was considered a highly beatable, lower-profile opponent compared to other established champions or top contenders at 140 lbs like Teofimo Lopez. 

The fight against Garcia is the pivotal moment that supports the idea that Haney’s approach has changed, if not his overall goals. Hearn’s comments imply this change in style stems from a desire to protect his new financial status and avoid the dangers of a punishing loss. While Haney’s attacking performance against Norman Jr. showed a return to a more aggressive style, the defensive game plan in the second half of the fight suggested otherwise.