Eddie Hearn stated the quiet half out loud this week — Devin Haney gained’t battle Lewis Crocker except Turki Alalshikh writes the test. With out Saudi involvement, there’s no lifelike path to a WBO–IBF welterweight unification.
Haney has priced himself out of most common fights. After two paydays in opposition to Ryan Garcia and José Ramirez, he’s used to prime billing and Saudi cash. The IBF belt Crocker holds would give him leverage for a Garcia rematch or a home occasion with Conor Benn, however not sufficient to take a pay reduce.
Crocker’s coming off stable wins over Tyrone McKenna, José Félix Jr., and a title upset in opposition to Jaron Ennis’ outdated sparring mate Luis Castillo. He presses arduous, fights in straight strains, and doesn’t overthink. However with out a stateside following, Hearn admits the PPV math doesn’t add up — even when Crocker’s stress might make Haney’s cautious rhythm look worse than common.
Haney’s drawback isn’t expertise; it’s danger. His jab-and-smother routine bought him by twelve protected rounds greater than as soon as, however his punch output has dropped, and the general public sees it. Crocker doesn’t outthink opponents, but he forces errors by holding his tempo regular and never giving floor. In opposition to Haney, that might expose how little urgency Haney reveals when issues get uncomfortable.
Hearn instructed Belfast On-line: “except Turki turns round and makes that battle, who’s going to pay for it?” He’s proper. DAZN gained’t spend eight figures on a battle that doesn’t promote exterior hardcore circles. The Saudi reveals are actually the one place the place mismatched economics don’t kill offers.
If the unification falls aside, Haney sits idle or dangers one thing he doesn’t need — a compulsory or Benn in a UK stadium battle that might flip political fast, given Benn’s ongoing eligibility points. Crocker goes again to Belfast to defend the IBF and look forward to a name which will by no means come.
If Haney doesn’t transfer now, his belt turns into a protect, not leverage. And shields get stripped finally.
Click on right here to subscribe to our FREE publication
Associated Boxing Information:
Classes Devin Haney
Boxing Information 24 » Eddie Hearn: Haney vs Crocker Solely Occurs With Turki Cash
Final Up to date on 12/28/2025
