Bill Haney revealed today that if Devin Haney triumphs over the defending WBC 140-pound champion Regis Prograis and decides to move up to 147 pounds, Gervonta “Tank” Davis’ coach Kenny Ennis will be the next challenger for the IBF title. However, Bill Haney was displeased to hear about Ennis’ desire to face welterweight champion Jaron Boots Ennis on Saturday night.
Bill Haney accused Tank Davis’ coach of using diversionary tactics to avoid a fight with Devin and fired back at the suggestion of a fight with Boots Ennis.
Even though Boots Ennis is highly respected and seen as the future of the 147-pound division, Bill Haney believes that Gervonta is the fighter Devin needs to solidify his standing as a top name and star in the sport.
Bill reiterated that Devin is “available” for a fight after his victory over Prograis and mentioned his interest in both of their fights taking place in Saudi Arabia. However, it is uncertain if Tank will be able to travel to the country without consulting his probation officer.
Bill criticized Tank Davis’ team for offering Haney a fight with Boots Ennis, suggesting that facing Ennis is not the right move if Devin wants to establish himself as a big star in the sport.
Bill also raised the possibility of Devin moving up to 147 for his next fight, implying that facing IBF welterweight champion Boots would be a sensible decision if Devin is as skilled as he and his team believe.
Rather than facing IBF 140-pound champion Sabriel Matias or WBO champion Teofimo Lopez, choosing to fight another older opponent would make it seem as though Haney’s team is avoiding a younger and more challenging adversary.
The next opponent Bill wants for Devin isn’t Boots Ennis, but Tank Davis. However, there is little chance of Tank moving up to 140 pounds or agreeing to a catchweight, so Bill Haney has not confirmed if Devin would be willing to return to the 135-pound weight class for that fight.
Bill Haney prioritizes a fight with Tank Davis for Devin over Boots Ennis.
Quoting Bill Haney from his media appearance after Devin Haney’s victory over WBC light welterweight champion Regis Prograis last Saturday night at the Chase Center in San Francisco, “Do you have any questions about Tank? No one wants to say anything because we can address them right now. Other motherfuckers are fucked. I’d like to know who else is going to mention tanks besides us?”
It would be more favorable if Bill looked in a different direction for Devin’s next fight, preferably opting for a younger opponent rather than an older fighter, as it appears that Bill is favoring older opponents for Devin over fighters in their prime.
There has been speculation about Haney moving up to 147 to fight 35-year-old Keith Thurman, who is the same age as Devin’s previous two opponents.
Bill expressed his frustration with Tank Davis, emphasizing his readiness to fight and urging Tank to stop avoiding a potential fight with Devin.
Bill’s fixation on Tank Davis is comparable to David Benavidez’s obsession with Canelo Alvarez, but it may be futile for Bill and Devin to be so desperate in seeking a fight.
Bill also highlighted the financial potential of fighting Devin, emphasizing that it would be the most lucrative option for any potential opponent.
When asked about fighting Tank Davis in Saudi Arabia, Bill expressed doubts about Tank’s ability to travel and fight outside of the United States, questioning his claim to be the “face of boxing” if he is limited to fighting only in the United States.
Damn, I woke up this morning and coach Kenny Ellis is suggesting Devin Haney step forward and fight Boots 😂 Don’t really tell me you don’t want Tank Davis to fight Haney 🤦🏽♂️ pic.twitter.com/0QR4EfRZ6r
— ThaBoxingvoice (@ThaBoxingVoice) December 10, 2023
Bill Haney responded to Gervonta Davis coach Kenny Ellis’ call for Devin Haney to fight Jaron “Boots” Ennis… pic.twitter.com/Vii4tgUP00
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) December 10, 2023
