Eddie Hearn said the quiet part out loud this week — Devin Haney won’t fight Lewis Crocker unless Turki Alalshikh writes the check. Without Saudi involvement, there’s no realistic path to a WBO–IBF welterweight unification.
Haney has priced himself out of most regular fights. After two paydays against Ryan Garcia and José Ramirez, he’s used to top billing and Saudi money. The IBF belt Crocker holds would give him leverage for a Garcia rematch or a domestic event with Conor Benn, but not enough to take a pay cut.
Crocker’s coming off solid wins over Tyrone McKenna, José Félix Jr., and a title upset against Jaron Ennis’ old sparring mate Luis Castillo. He presses hard, fights in straight lines, and doesn’t overthink. But without a stateside following, Hearn admits the PPV math doesn’t add up — even if Crocker’s pressure could make Haney’s cautious rhythm look worse than usual.
Haney’s problem isn’t talent; it’s risk. His jab-and-smother routine got him through twelve safe rounds more than once, but his punch output has dropped, and the public sees it. Crocker doesn’t outthink opponents, yet he forces mistakes by keeping his pace steady and not giving ground. Against Haney, that could expose how little urgency Haney shows when things get uncomfortable.
Hearn told Belfast Online: “unless Turki turns around and makes that fight, who’s going to pay for it?” He’s right. DAZN won’t spend eight figures on a fight that doesn’t sell outside hardcore circles. The Saudi shows are now the only place where mismatched economics don’t kill deals.
If the unification falls apart, Haney sits idle or risks something he doesn’t want — a mandatory or Benn in a UK stadium fight that could turn political quick, given Benn’s ongoing eligibility issues. Crocker goes back to Belfast to defend the IBF and wait for a call that may never come.
If Haney doesn’t move now, his belt becomes a shield, not leverage. And shields get stripped eventually.
Thomas Hull is a boxing writer covering news, gossip and results since 2014.
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Boxing News 24 » Eddie Hearn: Haney vs Crocker Only Happens With Turki Money
Last Updated on 12/28/2025