Error code: %{errorCode}

Boxing

If Ryan Garcia thought he could beat Devin Haney, they'd have taken the fight, says Eddie Hearn

Alexander Netherton
If Ryan Garcia thought he could beat Devin Haney, they'd have taken the fight, says Eddie HearnMatchroom Boxing
The Matchroom promoter is losing patience with Ryan Garcia and JoJo Diaz.

Eddie Hearn believes that mandatory challengers who duck title holders could be stripped of their belts in future.

Hearn has promoted WBC champion Devin Haney and struggled to find an opponent for him, with Ryan Garcia and then JoJo Diaz appearing to look for other options instead of a title fight with the 22-year-old.

Speaking to the DAZN Boxing Show, Hearn said of potentially stripping belts: “I think I probably will in this process. I mean, don't forget they took that belt away from Ryan Garcia in the process because obviously he was having his rest from boxing when he was unwell. 

“So I think they should do that. I never believe that fighters don't want to fight other fighters because they're incredibly brave. They're warriors. 

“But I still struggle to see why Ryan Garcia doesn't want to fight Devin Haney, especially when he fought an eliminator to fight him, and even more so with Jojo Diaz. JoJo Diaz actually has a chance to become a three-weight world champion. 

“Let's make one thing clear. If Ryan Garcia's team and himself truly believed that they will beat Devin Haney, why wouldn't they fight him?

"There's a huge amount of money in the fight - it’s a genuine world title on the line. You choose to fight Luke Campbell and Jojo Diaz, two good fighters, but why not Devin Haney for a load more money and actually the real belt?”