Devin Haney’s “I Don’t Fight for Money” Statement is Contradicted by His Former Promoter, Eddie Hearn, and a History of Financial Decisions

Devin Haney was slammed by fans on social media today after claiming, “I don’t fight for money” ahead of his title challenge against WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. on November 22nd in Riyadh.

Hearn Exposes Haney’s New Motivation

Haney’s former promoter, Eddie Hearn, says he thinks he’s fighting “just for money.” He mentions how Devin has stopped being strategic in his matchmaking and is now taking a reckless approach, targeting fighters that will bring him the big bag.

Hearn mentions Haney’s attempt to fight Teofimo Lopez and Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. Those are both fights that would have paid Devin millions.

Pursuing former IBF and WBA welterweight champion Ennis after Haney’s much-criticized performance against Jose Ramirez reinforces Hearn’s view that Devin is driven solely by money in his career. The shark-like Ennis would be a highly risky fight for Haney to take after his back-to-back disappointing performances against Ramirez and Ryan Garcia.

“When Devin first started, all he wanted to do was chase greatness. I don’t think he’s like that anymore,” said Hearn to Australian Boxing Central. “I think it made Devin fall out of love with the sport of boxing. I think now, a big part of Devin is just fighting for money, and that’s when it becomes dangerous because you’re not the same fighter.

Haney’s Reckless Approach

“Bill and Devin, they’re not looking strategically. They’re looking for the bag. That’s it,” said Hearn. “So, they’re like, ‘Where can we make our five, six, seven million? What fight?’ That’s why they said, ‘We’ll fight ‘Boots’ at 147. We’ll fight Teofimo. We’ll fight Brian Norman.’ Well, because they just want the money. So, they don’t care now. Back in the day, Bill was a lot more selective and tactical about who to fight. Now, he just wants the money.”

Many fans believe Haney’s selection of Norman Jr. is a red flag that he’s focused on money and a careless approach to his career now. Norman Jr. is viewed as one of the hardest punchers in the 147-lb division, if not the hardest.