Eddie Hearn has responded to the criticism surrounding the Devin Haney vs. Regis Prograis fight being on DAZN pay-per-view.
The rise in the number of pay-per-views on the network goes against the model that it was initially based on. Hearn infamously claimed that pay-per-view was ‘dead,’ following DAZN’s introduction. However, the stance has softened with pay-per-view being held for the ‘bigger fights.’
As of now, DAZN subscribers in the US pay $224.99 annually. Therefore, the additional cost has been met with scepticism. In response, Hearn justified the decision on the bigger purses that fighters were demanding, which could not be sustained with fixed guarantees, thus justifying the need for pay-per-view.
“In America, not not in the UK, and I just think a little bit of a sign of the times. I think it’s a little bit a sign of the times. You see, I don’t know if it’s going to get announced, but the rumor of Showtime leaving boxing. It’s an expensive sport. You know these fighters want a lot of money, and sometimes the only model that works is that model,” Hearn said
Despite that being the case, the fight has been questioned as a pay-per-view event. Haney is not the most explosive of fighters, which is why his profile in comparison to Gervonta Davis is smaller. Meanwhile, Prograis’ last performance in front of his home crowd against Danielito Zorrilla failed to impress as he struggled to a split-decision win. Although Prograis’ WBC belt is on the line, the boxing community could not justify this as a pay-per-view event.
Social Media Reaction
It’s not ppv right? Shouldn’t be…
— Dave Z (@DaveZ573435) September 26, 2023
Ain't nobody gonna pay for this as ppv
— Anyone want to be OC & QB1 at OK State? (@masterks61) September 26, 2023
Will do less than 50K buys.
— Gabe Walker (@Hangon1993) September 26, 2023