Promoter Bob Arum is hoping to see WBC light welterweight champion Devin Haney face mandatory challenger Sandor Martin in the ring. Arum’s company, Top Rank, recently won the purse bid to stage this fight, and he has plans to schedule it later this year.
Despite winning the purse bid, Arum expresses uncertainty about whether Haney will actually sign the contract for the fight. Haney will have a ten-day window to sign the contract once it is presented to him. If Haney chooses not to agree to the fight, he risks losing his WBC 140-lb title and will need to consider his next steps.
Haney was reportedly unhappy with the winning bid of $2.42 million for the fight, as he believes it falls short of offering him a significant payday for defending his title against Martin. Arum even hinted at a possible conflict of interest, suggesting that Eddie Hearn and DAZN may have directed their funding elsewhere for other fights, leading them to abstain from bidding on this particular match.
Arum emphasized that Top Rank made a bid based on their evaluation of the fight’s worth and won uncontested. He views the Haney vs. Martin bout as an intriguing matchup, with Martin being an underrated opponent. Arum expressed hope that the fight will come to fruition, provided that Haney is willing to go ahead with it.
If Haney chooses not to sign the contract within the stipulated ten-day period, he will forfeit his title and will need to explore alternative options for his career. Arum remains optimistic that Haney will agree to the terms, enabling them to organize the fight for the fall or winter seasons.
Despite the pressure on Haney to defend his title against Martin, Arum maintains a supportive stance, expressing that he would not hold it against Haney if he decides to relinquish his title and opt-out of the fight. This shows a level of understanding and flexibility on Arum’s part towards Haney’s career decisions.
Bob Arum’s plans for Devin Haney’s upcoming fight against Sandor Martin highlight the complexities and uncertainties that can arise in the world of professional boxing. The negotiation process, financial considerations, and potential consequences for the fighters all contribute to the intricacies of scheduling such high-stakes matches. Only time will tell whether Haney will proceed with the fight and defend his title or choose an alternative path for his boxing career.