Eddie Hearn: “Haney Needs Another Fight Before Taking on a Big Bout”

Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn believes that WBC super lightweight champion Devin Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) should have an interim fight before rematching Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs).

“Devin needs the right support. Sometimes you need someone who knows this industry like the back of their hand. Bill Haney has done an incredible job with Devin, but heavy artillery is needed for this.

I think Devin needs to gather himself and plan a fight. Everyone talks about a potential fight with Ryan Garcia. Potential? When is that? May, June, July? In my opinion, he needs another fight before stepping into a big match.

It would be wise to have one more fight before participating in a major show. If I were in Devin Haney’s shoes, I would already be planning my next fight, even if it’s in Vegas. He’s still a big name in boxing. Whether he lost to Ryan Garcia or not, he remains an important figure in the sport.

In my view, he should set a fight date and come back with a big show, then arrange for a grand fight next summer—possibly against Ryan Garcia or someone else,” Hearn said in an interview with Fight Hub TV.

In April, Garcia defeated Haney by decision, but the result was later overturned due to a positive drug test for Ryan, who received a one-year suspension.