Bill Haney showed up at Conor Benn’s post-fight press conference last Saturday night in what appeared to be a move to hustle a fight for his son, Devin Haney, against the welterweight following his disappointing 12-round unanimous decision win over Peter Dobson at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Benn said he was “keen” to fight Haney next. Promoter Eddie Hearn looked amused, but it was obvious that he did not want to see that fight happen next.
Hearn is trying to negotiate a fight between Haney and Ryan Garcia, so the last thing he wants is for Devin to walk away from that fight, which is a huge money match-up, to take on Benn in a risky fight.
Bill Haney’s Pitch: Personal Touch or Self-Serving?
Although Benn didn’t look great against Dobson, he still showed glimpses of his old power, and the punches that he was landing could be knockout blows if he hit Haney with the same shots.
“Congratulations, Conor. Good job. I know it probably wasn’t the performance that you’d like, but we know you’re a real player in the game. So, I wanted to come over here and tell you congratulations, and maybe we can do something,” said Bill Haney to Conor Benn at the post-fight press conference last Saturday night after his win over Peter Dobson.
Conor Benn: “I’m keen for that fight. I’m ready to go,” said Benn about his interest in fighting Devin Haney next.”
Of course, Benn would want the Haney fight because it’s one that he could potentially win, and it would do more for his career than facing Chris Eubank Jr. There’s no comparison.
Bill Haney: “I respect to you and your family. You guys [Nigel Benn and Conor] are a legend, and, of course, it would be an honor and a pleasure at that time if it presents it. Thank you guys for inviting me.
“Let this performance be one that he can move past. He got the job done. I didn’t know much about Dobson. I don’t want to judge him by this fight for some reason. He got through it, so let’s see what’s next. Dobson, not a whole lot was on him. So, I think he may have surprised Conor.”
