Via Jack Tien Nam: Negotiations between Devin Haney and Vasyl Lomachenko temporarily stalled due to money issues and it is hoped that the two will soon resolve the impasse, otherwise they will have to continue.
ESPN’s Mike Coppinger reports that undisputed lightweight champion Haney (29-0, 15 KOs) has been “conceded” from former triple world champion Lomachenko (17-2, 11 KOs) to money for the fight to take place on May 20.
In that case, Lomachenko, 34, will have to give Haney some money he hopes to get for the match if he wants a chance to challenge his four belts.
It’s unclear how much more Haney, 24, wanted before agreeing. If Lomachenko refuses, Haney will have to back off or go in another direction, perhaps defending against Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz or Shakur Stevenson.
Top Rated promoter Bob Arum would probably be delighted if Haney defended Stevenson as it would be an internal match and allow Shakur to be the undisputed champion in his first bout. He’s at 135 lb.
That would be great for Top Rank as this is Haney’s last fight under contract with them and he was supposed to move on instead of reuniting with them.
If you’re Haney, it might be better to go in Lomachenko’s direction unless he wants to face ‘Pitbull’ Cruz. It’s a winnable fight for Haney and he could end his contract with Top Rated with a solid win.
Haney needs concessions
“We don’t know what will happen when Devin Haney and Vasyl Lomachenko come into the ring. What I remember is when inside the ring in New York, both the gentleman and Lomachenko said, ‘I’m ready to give up everything because I want to fight for the undisputed belt,’ Bernard Osuna said. GAME + about Haney vs. Lomachenko is yet to be signed but is scheduled for May 20.
“Tell me why this war has not been signed yet.”
“What else, Bernardo? Money,” said Mike Coppinger. “I spoke to Devin earlier today, and he said he is looking for some more concessions from Lomachenko like he said he would give, and he won’t go into details, but I can only imagine it’s money.
“So they have a date, May 20, and they have a location, Las Vegas, and ESPN pay-per-view for this fight, but we still don’t have an agreement. Devin is confident that a deal will be done. I’m also confident, but they’re not done yet, and hopefully, it will be done next week.”
“You know, Copp, it’s all about money; that’s why it hasn’t been signed yet,” said Tim Bradley. “Haney deserves every penny. Haney took advantage of every advantage. He did what Lomachenko was supposed to do, but didn’t. He went to Australia and faced the Kambosos twice and defeated him.
Lomachenko wants Haney
“So now back, as you said, Bernardo, give in. He said he would do everything it took to make this fight happen,” Bradley said. “Understand that Loma needs Haney more than Haney needs Lomachenko. Understand that. I was in a similar situation years ago, but not up to this high level of precision.
“I was offered a fight by a leading candidate. I completed my contract for the year with two games. I did that, but I knew they needed a dance partner for this particular guy. So they came and gave me the offer, and I said, ‘Okay, okay. No, I want more money. I need more money.’ I said, ‘I need another three hundred thousand.’ They said, ‘What? Are you kidding me?’ The promoter hangs up the phone.
“I said, ‘Well, I’ve done my duty this year; I’m fine.’ Five minutes later, I got a ring, and somehow they got the money. They took money from the fighter. Boxers are willing to spend money. So in this case, if that’s the money Haney needs to finish this fight, just ask Lomachenko to say he needs to give it up.
“I don’t care if he has the minimum. Give it up if he wants these belts,” says Bradley.
“I hope this fight doesn’t fall because I’m not going to talk about a little money because these guys are talking about big money because this is the fight boxing needs,” Osuna said of the Haney vs. .
