Devin Haney has recently expressed his openness to entertaining promoter Eddie Hearn’s proposal to face IBF light welterweight champion Liam Paro in Australia, but with a condition that it “makes sense.” The cryptic nature of his statement leaves room for speculation, as Haney has not explicitly outlined what he means by the phrase “makes sense.” This ambiguity could suggest that he would consider the opportunity to fight Paro in Australia only if the financial compensation matches what he would receive as a world champion.
Given the high likelihood of Haney facing a defeat against Paro, it is understandable that he would seek a lucrative deal from Hearn to step into the ring with the undefeated champion. After his lackluster performance against Ryan Garcia, Haney’s chances of emerging victorious against Paro seem slim. His strategic reliance on clinching during fights could prove ineffective against Paro, who possesses formidable power and skill that could exploit Haney’s vulnerabilities to close-range headshots.
Eddie Hearn’s aspiration to elevate Liam Paro into a boxing star necessitates strategic matchmaking to enhance his standing in the sport. However, to utilize Haney as a stepping-stone opponent for Paro, Hearn would need to present a substantial offer that entices Haney to accept the challenge. While a potential bout between Haney and Paro in Australia could generate significant revenue from pay-per-view, it poses a considerable risk for Haney in terms of the likelihood of victory.
Devin Haney’s recent career setbacks, particularly his defeat against Ryan Garcia and subsequent relinquishment of the WBC title, have raised doubts about his future prospects in boxing. The decision to forego facing his mandatory challenger, Sandor Martin, led to speculations that Haney aimed to avoid a risky fight that could tarnish his chances of securing a lucrative rematch with Garcia.
With Haney’s concurrent desire to pursue legal action against Garcia, his chances of securing a rematch appear bleak. The dilemma facing Haney is whether to prioritize his quest for redemption against Garcia or pursue alternative opportunities in the division. Attempting to juggle both objectives concurrently could prove to be a fruitless endeavor as he navigates through a critical phase in his career.
Devin Haney’s contemplation of facing Liam Paro in Australia underscores the complexities and uncertainties that define his current boxing trajectory. As he grapples with the aftermath of past defeats and strategic decisions, Haney must carefully weigh his options and prioritize his objectives to navigate through a pivotal juncture in his professional journey.