Turki Alalshikh’s post about veering away from “Tom and Jerry” fights towards more aggressive ones could impact Devin Haney’s future on his Riyadh Season cards, if he’s even invited to any more.
It would send a strong message if Turki chooses not to include Devin on any of his shows in the future. It would signal that he means business. It was probably the worst thing Haney could hear: Turki wants action-packed fights.
(Credit: Geoffrey Knott/Matchroom)
Turki’s Stance: Haney’s Future
Haney doesn’t appear capable of morphing into the type of aggressive fighter that Turki wants on his events. He’s not capable of standing in the pocket and slugging in a toe-to-toe manner against opposition with power.
Devin’s dad, Bill Haney, needs to rebuild him to be the type of fighter that Turki wants on his fight cards. It’s unclear if he’s going to be given a second chance after his performance on the May 2nd card.
No More Easy Money
If Haney (32-0, 15 KOs) is an unwelcome person for Turki’s events, he’s going to be forced back to the tough life he had when he was expected to produce to get the big money. There wouldn’t be $10 million given to Haney for tune-up fights against old veterans. He might not be able to adjust to a climate where you have to perform against killers.
Haney’s Options
– Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero
– Mario Barrios
– Manny Pacquiao
– Conor Benn
Shakur Stevenson Also Affected
Turki wants to end the running fights. His statement was aimed at both fighters and the promoters who direct them. It’s not just Haney that will be impacted by Alalshikh’s push for more action-packed fights. It’s Shakur Stevenson. He’s one of the main fighters who tends to use the dull running style that turns fans away from watching the sport.
Devin’s career is in a bad spot because he’s outgrown the 135 and 140-lb divisions. He won’t be able to use his size to win fights like he’d done in the past against smaller opposition in those weight classes. What little power he had didn’t carry up to 147. He looked weak against Ramirez. Who can Devin beat besides WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios to get a nice payday? Jaron Ennis won’t indulge him, because he’s only interested in winning world titles.
Promoter Oscar De La Hoya already said that Ryan won’t be fighting Haney now. He wants him to fight a rematch with Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero.
They test your tone because they can’t match your tactics.
They test your patience because they can’t replicate Devin Haney.
And they test the story because it proves they’re not needed.#1of1
— Bill Haney (@BillHaney77) June 11, 2025
Last Updated on 06/11/2025
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