Boxing
Devin Haney Hits Back at ‘We Hate Sanctioning Bodies’ Comment on The Ring Podcast.
Devin Haney has withdrawn after a podcast debate used the word “hate” to describe boxing sanctioning bodies.
In the conversation, Mike Coppinger, Max Kellerman and veteran boxing journalist Doug Fischer discussed the role boxing governing bodies continue to play in the sport as up-to-date ideas, such as the proposed Zuffa belt, begin to enter the marketplace.
During the exchange of opinions, the discussion was interrupted by one comment.
The word “hate” used to describe sanctioning authorities
“Right, we hate sanctioning authorities,” Coppinger said.
The utilize of the word “hate” stood out because the sanctioning bodies, despite recurrent criticism, remain the backbone of boxing’s championship system.
Haney responded with a warrior’s perspective.
“The same as me, as a fighter, we can’t say that everyone hates the sanctioning authorities,” Haney explained.
He said that for many players, these titles are a goal from the moment they enter the sport.
“As a newborn kid growing up, you want the IBF, you want the WBC, you want the WBO. You want the Ring Magazine belt. You want all the belts.”
Haney has made it clear that he does not discount the emergence of up-to-date ideas in boxing, including the Zuffa championship concept currently being discussed.
“But I’m also into Zuffa and everything, which is good,” he said. “But we can’t forget about these sanctioning bodies.”
The reason, Haney added, remains basic.
“As a fighter, you want to be recognized as a true champion.”
The debate began as the panel discussed the International Boxing Federation’s position on IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetai and the possibility of fighters risking their titles by fighting for competitive promotional belts.
A fighter perspective
Haney’s comments carried weight given his own path in the sport. The American has held various versions of the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO titles and understands firsthand what these belts represent to fighters climbing the ranks.
By speaking as a multi-belt champion, Haney meant that the four sanctioning bodies continue to provide the structure that many fighters follow from the moment they enter the sport.
The exchange also highlighted the direction of the debate currently taking place in boxing. the podcast, which featured Coppinger, Kellerman and Fischer, fits into a broader context that currently includes Riyadh Season’s growing involvement in the sport and discussion of up-to-date championship ideas, such as the proposed Zuffa title.
For some observers, the word “hate” used to describe the sanctioning bodies was striking, given how significant the same organizations have been in the boxing championship system for decades.
These bodies oversee the rankings, mandatory challengers, and title recognition that ultimately determine who is considered the champion in each league.
Many sanctioning authorities also run charitable initiatives and support programs aimed at helping ex-combatants who have fallen on tough times. This behind-the-scenes work sometimes goes unnoticed, especially when a debate on a platform like The Ring podcast can influence public opinion.
Haney’s response therefore reflected the view from inside the ropes. While up-to-date ideas and up-to-date belts may emerge, classic titles still represent achievements that most competitors grow into.
A changing landscape
The discussion also comes during a period of transition that is increasingly associated with Riyad’s season and Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in boxing under Turki Alalshikh.
As up-to-date ventures like Zuffa Boxing attempt to transform parts of the championship structure, debates over how titles are recognized will likely continue.
For players like Haney, the view remains basic. However, describing boxing’s title structure with a word as sturdy as “hate” is another matter entirely.
Regardless of changes that may occur in the boxing landscape, classic belts remain the greatest prizes that fighters have been fighting for for generations.
About the author
Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.
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