Hearn Tells Devin Haney To Change His Team – Will Bill Be Sacked?

Eddie Hearn told Devin Haney to change his team after his last fight against Ryan Garcia. 

Haney lost a majority decision after being dropped three times to suffer the first career loss. However, the result became a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for Ostarine. That was used as the reason why Garcia repeatedly hurt Haney. And yet, there were several criticisms of Haney. Floyd Mayweather criticized his technique when it came to the jab. He highlighted how Haney kept his lands low, something which is used in amateur boxing.

Haney’s corner also came under fire after suggestions they failed to make any adjustments. Garcia repeatedly landed the same left hook he was caught in the first round. Since that is Garcia’s biggest weapon, the lack of preparation was criticized. The game plan was also considered wrong, as Haney decided to exchange with Garcia rather than box him.

Hearn On Haney

Haney has not had a knockout stoppage since making Zaur Abdullaev retire in 2019. Bill Haney is Devin’s lead trainer, who has helped him become a two-weight world champion. They set a record when Devin became the youngest undisputed champion of the four-belt era, winning all the belts at lightweight. Devin has also dabbled with other trainers after being pictured working with Freddie Roach during one of his camps. But Hearn has suggested it may be time for a change. 

“I think he has to look at his team. His dad, I love Bill [Haney]. He’s got his back 100%, but is he the right person to take him forward strategically in the ring? I never liked this three or four trainer thing where they’re in the changing room, and they’re doing the pads with him. AJ went through that system when he boxed Usyk; he was so lost. They [Haney] need one guy to tell him, ‘Listen, this is what you need to do.’ They never been through that before. No one in that corner had been through that situation before. You have to look at your training team,” Hearn said

Haney’s Future

This will be vital for Haney moving forward. After deciding not to face his then-mandatory Sandor Martin, he no longer has the WBC belt at 140. That has raised question marks over Haney’s future at 140. He previously stated that he wanted to chase undisputed at 140, meaning he would face the big names in the division, such as Teofimo Lopez, who has the WBO title.

But there are suggestions that Haney struggles to make 140. Haney looked drained for the Garcia weigh in. He does rehydrate to around 160 on fight nights, meaning he could move up to 147. Haney has been linked with the Mario Barrios fight, the current WBC Welterweight Champion. But if Garcia troubled Haney, will Devin’s chin stand up to the power shots at 147?

“You have to look at your weight. It’s all too well you saying you’re too big for 135. Then you get to 140, and you struggle a bit, and you say, ‘I’m too big for 140.’ Then you got up against big, strong guys at 147. I think Devin’s chin is good enough. He’s been hurt a couple of times. 

“He was hurt by Ryan. At 147, will the weight allow him to be a little more robust, or will he not be strong enough at 147? Are you going to stay at 140 or move to 147? You’ve got to take the right fight,” Hearn stated 

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