Devin Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) has officially announced that he will fight on BLK Prime on March 25th. The streaming service shared the news on Twitter, revealing Haney as one of their upcoming fighters. This comes as a major surprise, as it suggests that his upcoming bout will be a pay-per-view (PPV) event. Haney’s move to BLK Prime marks a stark contrast to the high-profile networks and platforms he once fought on, such as DAZN and ESPN.
A Decline in Devin Haney’s Career?
What has led to this shift in Haney’s career? For a fighter who once looked like a rising star, the loss to Ryan Garcia last year has left a lasting impact. The fight, which ended in a 12-round majority decision in Garcia’s favor, was a significant setback for Haney. Since that loss, Haney has not fought and has been embroiled in a lawsuit against Garcia for battery, fraud, and breach of contract. Haney’s reputation has taken a sharp decline, and this move to BLK Prime only adds fuel to the fire.
Haney, who is still just 26 years old, has found himself in an increasingly tough spot. Boxing fans on social media have been vocal about their disbelief over his decision to fight on a lesser-known streaming platform, mocking it as a significant step backward for his career. Fighting on BLK Prime means that his reach will be limited, as the service is not as widely available as mainstream networks. Many fans feel that this move further cements the idea that Haney is nearing the end of his career, perhaps simply “playing out the string.”
What’s Next for Devin Haney?
BLK Prime may offer a platform for Haney, but it’s unclear if this move will be a one-off event or if Haney will continue to fight exclusively on the service. The decision to fight on BLK Prime also raises questions about the direction of Haney’s career. He’s coming off an 11-month layoff, which makes it risky for him to face top-tier opponents, especially in the stacked 140 and 147-pound divisions. The platform itself has already seen mixed results, with Terence Crawford’s fight against David Avanesyan on BLK Prime in December 2022 reportedly underperforming in PPV numbers.
This raises concerns about the future of Haney’s career if he loses his upcoming fight. It would likely become even harder for him to secure a fight with major networks or top contenders, and a defeat could push him further into obscurity. For instance, if Haney were to lose to a lower-level opponent, Ryan Garcia would have no incentive to grant him a rematch, further tarnishing his career.
The Role of Bill Haney in This Decision
A major question that many fans have been asking is whether Bill Haney, Devin’s father and trainer, is behind this decision. If Bill has pushed for Devin to fight on BLK Prime for the remainder of his career, it could be a controversial move, as it risks cutting Devin off from a wider fan base. With a fight on BLK Prime, the odds of Haney reaching the mainstream boxing audience are slim, as many fans may not choose to subscribe to the service.
The Risk of Fighting on BLK Prime
One has to wonder about the long-term implications of Haney’s decision. If he fails to defeat a lower-ranked opponent on BLK Prime, his chances of ever fighting on major networks again seem bleak. The stakes are high, and this could very well be the turning point for Haney’s career. If he doesn’t perform, it could signal the end of his time as a major draw in boxing.
Looking back, we can see that BLK Prime has had a mixed history with big-name fighters. Terence Crawford’s fight against David Avanesyan did not live up to expectations, and Adrien Broner’s scheduled fight with Ivan Redkach was canceled altogether. These underwhelming performances may suggest that Haney’s decision to fight on the platform could hinder his chances of reaching a wide audience and bringing in substantial PPV numbers.
Conclusion: A Career at a Crossroads
Devin Haney’s move to fight on BLK Prime in March 2024 is a significant moment in his boxing career. Whether it’s a temporary step or the start of a new chapter remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: Haney’s career is at a crossroads. With his stock at an all-time low after his loss to Garcia and the ensuing legal battles, it’s uncertain where this path will lead. Will he be able to resurrect his career, or is he slowly fading into the shadows of boxing? Only time will tell, but this upcoming fight on BLK Prime could determine the trajectory of his future in the sport.