The recent controversy surrounding the PPV numbers for the Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia fight has left many fans questioning the true success of the event. Bill Haney, Devin’s father and trainer, has vehemently defended the fight’s performance, claiming that it brought in more PPV buys than any other event in 2024. However, the lack of official numbers raises doubts about the validity of these statements.
Leading up to the fight, there were high expectations that it would reach the one million PPV buy mark, given Ryan Garcia’s massive following on Instagram and Devin Haney’s recent accomplishments in the ring. Despite this, the actual numbers remain a mystery, casting a shadow of doubt over the true success of the event.
Following the fight, Ryan Garcia’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, criticized Haney for allegedly celebrating his victory in a distasteful manner. De La Hoya’s remarks, along with the opinions of fans on social media, suggest that Haney’s approach to promoting the fight may have negatively impacted its overall success. By focusing too much on disparaging remarks about Garcia rather than promoting the fight itself, Haney may have alienated potential viewers.
While Haney’s skills in the ring are undeniable, the controversy surrounding his promotional tactics raises questions about his ability to draw in viewers. It is crucial for fighters to strike a balance between hyping up a fight and maintaining a level of respect towards their opponents. By allowing personal grievances to cloud his judgment, Haney may have inadvertently hindered the fight’s marketability.
The saga of the PPV numbers for the Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia fight serves as a cautionary tale for fighters and promoters alike. While talent and skill are essential in the world of boxing, effective marketing and promotion play an equally crucial role in ensuring the success of a match. Moving forward, it will be essential for Haney and his team to reevaluate their approach to promoting fights and focus on building a positive narrative around his career. Only time will tell if Haney can learn from this experience and come back stronger in the future.