By Chris Williams: Devin Haney took to social media to respond to Adrien ‘The Problem’ Broner’s demand of $20 million from promoter Eddie Hearn before he’d agree to a fight against the young 21-year-old WBC lightweight champion. Haney told the former 4-division world champion Broner this:
Devin Haney: realdevinhaney: 20 MILLION??? Come on big bro don’t price yourself out! 😂😂😂 @adrienbroner #HaneyBroner #CatchWeight2020 #TheDream.”
This fight could still get made, as long as Broner is willing to take a fraction of the $20 million that he’s asking for. $2-3 million would be a good deal for Broner if he can get it.
Broner quite reasonable in asking for $20 million
You can understand where the 31-year-old Broner (33-4-1, 24 KO) is coming from in starting HIGH in his negotiations with Haney’s Matchroom Boxing USA promoter Hearn. This might be it or Broner as far as him being a useful opponent for a young lion to beat and add a recognizable name to his resume. A loss for Broner could be the end for him. So far, Brother has only been beaten by big names:
- Marcos Maidana
- Manny Pacquiao
- Mikey Garcia
- Shawn Porter
Broner losing to the young Haney, who fights two divisions BELOW the weight class he fights at, would be a bad look for him. Although Broner’s boxing skills have deteriorated with age, inactivity and soft living, he can still market a fight better than almost anyone in boxing.
Haney isn’t nearly as good at promoting his fight with witty trash talk. This is an opportunity for Haney to go along with the ride, let Broner do all the hard work in promoting the fight, and getting the chance to learn from him how it’s done.
AB asks Hearn directly for $20 million to fight Haney
Adreien Broner: “Listen man. Give me $20 million. I will make 135, and knock Devin Haney the f— out!!!!”
Eddie Hearn: “eddiehearn: Forget the 20 and you aren’t making 135 but if you want to talk @adrienbroner my man @realdevinhaney said name your weight he is ready to go! 🔥 @dazn_usa,” said Hearn.”
It is hard to imagine Broner making 135 right now. Broner really struggled hard to make 140 for his fight against Mikey Garcia three years ago in July 2017, and he lost that fight by a one-sided 12 round decision.
Broner made weight, but looked painfully thin before and during the fight. It was clear that Broner had sacrificed a lot of muscle as well as fat in making the 140-lb limit. If Hearn sets up a fight between Haney and Broner for 135, it’s likely to have a stiff weight penalty attached to keep AB from coming in heavy.
Haney to Broner that started things:
Devin Haney: “How many people would watch us fight at a catchweight? #BronerHaney #TheDream”
Adrien Broner: A @realdevinhaney you seen me a million times and it was all ‘What’s up big bro.’ Now you hang out with Floyd for one day, and he manipulates you into being a f— n—. Stop clout chasing an manipulate your craft before you make me #5X. P.S. I aint’ paid my taxes. I’m too turnt up. Adrien Broner they trying to turn AB into MJ, and have me touch this kid. #Yallgottarelax #YoungN—HaveNoRespect.”
Broner then says this to Hearn “Listen man. Give me $20 million. I will make 135, and knock Devin Haney the f— out!!!!”
It’s interesting how Broner reacted so strongly initially after Haney called him out. It’s as if he doesn’t realize fully that he’s become an old lion, and the younger fighters are now looking to fight him to add his name to their resumes.
Haney wants to take the baton from Broner, and move forward with his career to become a big star. Broner should be happy that he’s still got market value to get young talents like Haney willing to fight him, because it enables him to cash in a little at the end of his career.