Common mistakes in Devin Haney’s 2026 lightweight return negotiations

Weight disputes and mandatory hurdles

Regis Prograis demands a rematch because Haney violated weight rules in their December 2023 fight in San Francisco. Haney won every round on the scorecards in that unanimous decision bout to take Prograis’ WBC belt, but the victory carries controversy. Haney made the 140 limit but rehydrated to 165 pounds on fight night, which is an 18 percent increase. This violates a 2019 California State Athletic Commission rule that prevents boxers from exceeding 15 percent of their body weight. Prograis only discovered the weight difference after he returned home. He stated that he does not need an apology from Eddie Hearn because he is still with Matchroom. I find the lack of oversight regarding these rehydration numbers completely amateur. If the Commission enforces its rule, the win becomes a no-contest. Shakur Stevenson also creates negotiation problems because he wants a rehydration clause or a catchweight of 144 pounds for a welterweight fight. Haney’s team initially stood firm on 147 pounds without restrictions, though Haney later conceded on social media that 144 pounds is possible. This weight issue was previously seen in the Garcia fight when Garcia missed weight by 3.2 pounds.

The failed Davis purse bid

Negotiations for a fight with Keyshawn Davis failed because Davis rejected his financial terms. The WBO ordered Haney to defend his welterweight title against Davis in June, but the parties could not reach a deal. Davis is undefeated and currently the WBO number one and mandatory challenger. Top Rank won the purse bid auction last Thursday with an $8,550,000 bid.

Teofimo Lopez’s Takeover Promotions offered $2,350,000 for the rights to the bout. Haney was entitled to 75 percent of the pot, which is $6,412,500. Davis was set to receive 25 percent, or $2,137,500. You should know that Davis rejected even higher offers than the purse bid amount. The failure to reach a deal left the boxing world without this fight, which was supposed to headline a DAZN pay-per-view event on October 3 at the Barclays Center, State Farm Arena, or Michelob Ultra Arena. Haney signed a multi-fight deal with DAZN earlier this month. Can Haney ever secure a stable opponent while these mandatory challenges keep falling through?

Legal battles and the Garcia fallout

The legal fallout from the Ryan Garcia fight continues as the Haney camp pursues a lawsuit for battery, fraud, and breach of contract against Garcia and Golden Boy Promotions. Because the New York State Athletic Commission changed the result of the April fight after Garcia tested positive for Ostarine, the victory became a no-contest and Garcia faces a one-year suspension and a $1,000,000 purse forfeiture. Haney was dropped three times during that fight before his 31-0 record was reinstated. Haney, who is 26 and has a total of 33 wins, describes the period surrounding the Garcia fight as a circus. He wants to face Garcia again once the suspension ends in April 2025. I think the fact that Garcia receives only a $10,000 fine after such a massive cheating scandal shows how broken the system is. Oscar De La Hoya claims the fight did not sell well and argues that Garcia’s Ostarine levels were too minute to matter. Bill Haney disagrees and continues the lawsuit to ensure drug use has no place in boxing. Garcia also has to pay $1.1 million to Golden Boy Promotions. Garcia announced his retirement a day before the commission’s ruling, though he also expressed interest in joining the UFC. Garcia also previously claimed he bet $2 million on himself and earned $12 million from the bout. The fight was originally a majority decision win for Garcia. Haney is currently the WBC champion in recess at 140 pounds.