Veteran promoter Bob Arum didn`t hold back, sharply criticizing Canelo Alvarez and Devin Haney for their recent uninspiring performances against William Scull and Jose Ramirez, respectively.
Speaking to the media in comments captured by Fight Hub TV, the 93-year-old head of Top Rank blasted Canelo`s decision victory over William Scull for the undisputed super-middleweight championship, calling it one of the most forgettable bouts seen recently.
Commenting on a potential September showdown between Canelo and Terence Crawford, Arum remarked, “If they`re genuinely going to fight, I think it`s excellent and highly intriguing. However, personally, I wouldn`t pay to watch it. Canelo`s recent fights suggest he`s operating purely as a businessman. He seems less focused on entertaining the fans and more on securing a large paycheck.”
When questioned about Crawford`s chances against Canelo, Arum retorted, “Which Canelo will we see? The one focused on a big payday, or the one ready to compete fiercely like a true fighter?”
Arum further criticized Canelo`s perceived caution, stating, “Why would he take risks? This isn`t beneficial for boxing. Historically, fighters like Sugar Ray Leonard or Oscar De La Hoya were incentivized to deliver exciting performances because their future big paydays were linked to pay-per-view and gate receipts. They needed to look impressive. That motivation is now diminished; they`re guaranteed substantial earnings for future bouts, and avoiding engaging risks is their perceived safest path to ensure that.”
Devin Haney, whose points victory over Jose Ramirez in a dull Times Square match also drew criticism, didn`t escape Arum`s condemnation. Arum lamented, “Devin Haney is a highly skilled boxer. However, his fight against Ramirez was utterly shameful, a complete disgrace. But if you`re Haney, earning well for the Ramirez fight and anticipating a huge purse against [Ryan] Garcia (assuming Garcia won), why would you endanger that by taking chances? Again, this situation harms the sport.”
