Team Haney Seeks Unification with Lewis Crocker; Hearn Hesitant
If Team Haney had their way, they would be gearing up to dust off their passports and hop on an international flight to duel IBF welterweight champion Lewis “The Croc” Crocker (22-0, 11 KO’s). Ideally something stateside could have been pieced together, but that has not been that easy a road to travel.
Since November 22, three-division and one-time undisputed champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (33-0, 15 KO’s) has found securing an opponent rather difficult. On that date, Haney moved up to the welterweight division, fought, dropped and outpointed the reigning champion Brian Norman Jr.. Along with Norman Jr.’s scalp and undefeated record, The Dream also absconded away with his WBO 147-pound strap.
DEVELOPING OR DODGING?
After taking possession of the WBO title, the rest of the division effectively blackballed The Dream. This is ironic considering that Haney critics have labeled him as feather-fisted and boring his entire career. Yet, his last few fights have been back by Turki Alalshikh, which guarantee a large payday, and his “feather-fisted” power should be a perk.
Nevertheless, most in the division will not touch him with a ten-foot pole. This has led his father and chief second, Bill Haney, to engage former promoter turned begrudging associate Eddie Hearn, head of Matchroom Boxing, in business once again, as Hearn explained to YSM Sports Media.
“He is only buddy when he wants something! So, you know he wants to fight Lewis Crocker, our welterweight world champion. It’s a unification, so, we’ll see. We are not against the idea, but we have plans.” ~ Eddie Hearn
Honestly speaking, it does not sound as if Hearn is all that gung-ho to sign Crocker up for the duel. While The Croc is undefeated, he has never fought outside of his native UK, nor fought anyone with the skill level or experience of Haney. This is likely why Hearn tiptoed around the conversation of making the showdown a reality. So, for the time being, we will all continuing waiting to see who wants to step up and face The Dream.
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