Devin Haney's lofty purse demands are reportedly blocking him from securing a fight before the end of the year, including a potential bout against IBF light welterweight champion Liam Paro. According to Eddie Hearn, Haney's expectations for a guaranteed payout of around $4 to $5 million for a fight, even a confidence-building one, are unrealistic unless Riyadh Season or Turki Alalshikh takes an interest in making the fight happen. Without financial backing from a big event, Hearn doesn’t see how Haney’s purse demands can be met for what would likely be a lower-risk opponent.

A significant issue for Haney in any potential matchup against Paro would be the IBF’s 10-pound rehydration limit, which would require Haney to weigh in no heavier than 150 lbs the morning of the fight. Haney, who typically rehydrates to the mid-160s for his 140-lb bouts, would likely struggle to meet that requirement without risking his health. Hearn has indicated that unless the IBF waives its rules for the rehydration limit, the fight wouldn’t be feasible.

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Hearn has also expressed concern about Haney’s focus on money rather than career development. After earning a substantial payday from his fight against Ryan Garcia, it appears Haney has become fixated on securing similar amounts for all future bouts, regardless of the opponent. According to Hearn, when young fighters concentrate solely on the purse, they lose sight of what’s necessary to grow in the sport. He argues that Haney needs a confidence-building fight, but even for a relatively easy matchup, Haney is likely to demand $4 million, which would be unreasonable for most promoters.

As it stands, Haney’s financial expectations may keep him on the sidelines until 2025, with the only potential big-money fight being a rematch against Ryan Garcia. According to Hearn, if Haney continues to prioritize paydays over suitable opponents, he risks stalling his career. The 140 and 147-lb divisions are full of dangerous contenders, and Haney's strategy of holding out for large sums without facing serious competition may leave him vulnerable to a career misstep if he makes the wrong move.

And what do you think boxing fans? Are these numbers realistic or Devin should take his head out of the clouds?

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