Years before he would become a three-division world champion and a pound-for-pound fixture, Devin Haney made a career-defining move that set the stage for his ascent. On July 29, 2019, Haney and his company, Devin Haney Promotions (DHP), signed an exclusive multi-fight agreement with the sports streaming service DAZN, a partnership that has since become a cornerstone of his championship journey.
The deal positioned the then-undefeated prodigy as a central figure in DAZN’s growing boxing portfolio. It was a calculated move that provided Haney a global platform and the autonomy to build his own brand, free from the constraints of a traditional promotional contract. This partnership has since yielded world titles in three weight classes and solidified Haney’s status as one of boxing’s elite talents.
The strategic alliance of 2019
In mid-2019, the boxing world saw digital streaming platforms like DAZN aggressively challenge the pay-per-view model. DAZN aimed to become an essential destination by signing top talent directly. Haney, a highly-touted prospect with a perfect record, represented the future, making him an ideal partner for the streamer’s ambitious plans, just as other top fighters were being discussed.
At the time, Haney expressed a clear vision for his career. “I’m at a point in my career where I want the biggest challenges and the fights the fans want to see,” he said upon signing.
“This agreement removes any doubt or uncertainty about my ability to make the major fights in boxing. I’m in position to fight anyone.”
For DAZN, the signing was a major coup. Britton Hardin, Head of Boxing, North America at DAZN, noted the strategic importance of the deal.
Hardin stated, “Devin has proven that he belongs on boxing’s biggest stages.” He added, “This partnership creates the opportunity to deliver the marquee matchups fans want while bringing the next defining phase of Devin’s career to DAZN’s global audience.”
From prospect to undisputed champion
The partnership immediately began to pay dividends. With the global reach of DAZN, Haney’s profile grew exponentially. He embarked on a campaign capturing titles at lightweight, junior welterweight, and welterweight.
The pinnacle of his success came when he defeated Vasiliy Lomachenko, unifying the division to become the undisputed lightweight champion.
This journey showcased not only Haney’s exceptional skill but also the power of his promotional model. His father and manager, Bill Haney, highlighted this as a long-term goal.
“Building Devin Haney Promotions into a global championship brand has been a long-term vision of ours,” Bill Haney explained. He added that the partnership marks an important milestone in that journey.
The path wasn’t without its challenges, including navigating the complex politics of boxing matchmaking. Despite the obstacles, Haney continued his ascent, moving up two weight classes.
He captured the WBO welterweight title with a victory over Brian Norman Jr. last November, a testament to his versatility and ambition, mirroring the drive seen in other unification contests.
The power of Devin Haney Promotions
A key aspect of the DAZN agreement was that it was with Devin Haney Promotions, not just the fighter himself. This empowered Haney to maintain control over his career trajectory, a rarity for many independent promoters.
The move mirrored a similar deal made by Teofimo Lopez, signaling a trend of top fighters seeking greater autonomy.
Bill Haney elaborated on this strategy, stating, “We developed Devin from the ground up into an undisputed champion, a three-division world champion and one of boxing’s elite global attractions.”
He added, “Now, alongside DAZN, we can apply that same blueprint to growing the DHP roster, developing future champions and delivering elite events on the global stage.”
This fighter-as-promoter model has allowed Haney to dictate terms and pursue the fights he believes are best for his legacy. While it adds a layer of business complexity, it has also been instrumental in his ability to move across weight classes and challenge for multiple titles under his own banner, a feat few modern boxers achieve.
Navigating a treacherous welterweight division
Now competing at 147 pounds, Haney finds himself in one of boxing’s most talent-rich divisions. The DAZN platform provides a home base, but securing the biggest fights remains a complex chess match.
This was recently highlighted by the collapse of failed talks with Shakur Stevenson, a highly anticipated clash that fell apart over contract disputes, including a reported disagreement on a next-day rehydration clause.
The welterweight landscape is crowded with dangerous opponents. Reports suggest Haney’s next move is already in motion, with a mandatory defense of his WBO belt against Keyshawn Davis reportedly targeted.
Furthermore, rumors are swirling about a potential unification bout against IBF champion Liam Paro before the end of the year, also on DAZN.
After the Stevenson fight failed to materialize, sources indicated Haney’s team quickly pivoted to the Paro matchup. This demonstrates the agility that comes with his promotional control and platform partnership, much like other DAZN fight announcements.
The legacy of a forward-thinking deal
Looking back, the 2019 agreement between Devin Haney and DAZN was more than just a contract; it was a blueprint for a modern boxing career. It provided Haney with the financial backing and global stage to transform his immense potential into a Hall of Fame-worthy resume.
This resume includes an undefeated 33-0 record with 15 knockouts and a No. 8 pound-for-pound ranking from The Ring magazine.
The deal also solidified DAZN’s credibility as a major player in the sport. It proved the platform could build a star and host some of the decade’s most significant bouts.
While the boxing landscape continues to shift with promoters and platforms constantly vying for position, this partnership’s success shows the viability of fighter-led careers. More major unification fights are now happening across various networks than ever before.
As Haney prepares for his next challenge, the foundation laid in 2019 continues to support his ambitions. It was a deal that not only foresaw the future of sports broadcasting but also empowered a new generation of fighters to take control of their own destinies, forever changing the business of boxing.
