Bill Haney strikes back

Devin Haney's father, Bill Haney, recently went on social media to push back against promoter Oscar De La Hoya's statement claiming that Devin lacks significant drawing power. While Bill did not directly respond to the reported low PPV numbers for Devin's bout with Regis Prograis last December, which he said to be around 50,000 to 60,000 buys, he did highlight Devin's ability to attract audiences in San Francisco, New York and Australia. There were, however, allegations circulating that complimentary tickets were given out for Devin's fight in San Francisco against Prograis.

It is crucial to differentiate between selling tickets and generating PPV buys as they represent distinct metrics. Selling tickets signifies local fan support while a fighter's popularity is more accurately gauged by their PPV figures. The rumored poor PPV performance of Haney in the Prograis fight raises questions about his drawing power compared to popular belief. Even in his match against Ryan Garcia, any successful PPV numbers would likely be attributed more to Garcia’s extensive social media following rather than Haney’s individual appeal.

In an interview with MillCity Boxing, Bill Haney took charge with his charisma when addressing De La Hoya's remarks while there were observations that Devin’s interviews lacked the same level of engagement. Bill emphasized Devin’s achievement as a two-division world champion at just 25 years old and dismissed the notion that Devin struggles with ticket sales as inaccurate. He gestured towards the support evident at various venues like the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and in Australia, largely attributed to George Kambosos Jr.'s self promotion endeavors.

Bill wrapped up by discussing the issue of performance enhancing drugs (PEDs), stating that individuals caught using PEDs should face public disgrace and consequences both in and out of the ring. He stressed that despite Ryan Garcia's suspension and penalty, if their focus remains on Ryan's PED usage, they should reconsider pushing for a rematch. Their insistence on another fight might be fueled by their focus on money and inability to generate interest independently without Ryan.