Eddie Hearn Emphasizes Legacy Over Money in George Kambosos v Devin Haney
Vasyl Lomachenko’s decision to bypass a June 5 clash against lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr has re-opened the possibilities for a match between Kambosos (20-0, 10 KOs) and WBC 135 pound champ Devin Haney (27-0, 15 KOs).
As previously reported by 3Kings Boxing, Team Kambosos has sent an offer to the representatives of Haney for a fight on the same June 5 date in Australia. Speaking to media source Boxing Social, Matchroom Chair Eddie Hearn gave an update on those talks.
ON THE VERGE OF A DEAL?
“I had a long chat with Devin and Bill (Haney). We’re going through the terms with DAZN and Lou DiBella, promoter of George Kambosos. I think we’re in a good place. We’ve still got some work to do, but I’m hoping we can get that fight closed off this week.”
Hearn went on to disclose that the deal on the table is a two-fight deal as Kambosos wants a rematch clause. That’s fine with the promoter, who is willing to take all measures necessary to make this fight happen.
IT’S NOT ABOUT THE MONEY
There was a prior attempt to make a Kambosos-Haney fight following Kambosos’ title win over Teofimo Lopez in November 2021. Negotiations failed at that time. Some fans put the blame at the feet of Haney, suggesting that he asked for too much money. Conceding that his fighter will be the B-side, Hearn says money is not a deterrent. This time around, the chairman of Matchroom Promotions seems determined to make this fight a reality.
“Legacy is what Devin Haney wants; he won’t outprice himself in this fight. The money he’s been offered is not good money in relation to the money he’s been making. He doesn’t care. He cares about legacy, and this is a legacy fight.
I said to him last night, ‘you go over to Australia, and you become undisputed world light champion, you’re the biggest American star in boxing. So, let’s get it done’.”
With Lomachenko out, a battle between Kambosos and Haney is the fight to be made in the division. It would be the biggest boxing event in Australia in decades.
Is Hearn being hyperbolic to say that Haney would be the largest American star in the sport were he to become the undisputed champ? Maybe. However, that kind of feat would no doubt boost the status of Haney to a higher plateau and put him into the elite category. Fans hope that his talk results in a signed deal and a fight for all the belts at lightweight. Stay tuned to 3Kings Boxing for continued updates.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
