Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia: Mayweather Promotions CEO Lashes Out as Unsold Tickets Could “Cost the Fighters a Bunch of Money”

Ryan Garcia blamed Devin Haney for the poor ticket sales for their contest on April 20. Garcia said that Haney was “not a draw,” as the interest in their fight has not translated to the business side of things. With only a week more to go, the Barclays Center is yet to be sold out in stark contrast to the Gervonta Davis vs Rolando Romero bout in the same arena two years ago and Mayweather Promotions CEO isn’t too pleased.

The likes of Shakur Stevenson have already vented their frustration at the steep prices, which seem to have snuffed out the excitement. While the prices start at $114, they go as high as $20,000 for premium ringside ones.

Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia: a scaling problem according to Ellerbe

Ellerbe turned to his X handle and responded to a fan post that celebrated the success of Gervonta Davis vs. Rolando Romero in the same arena. The bout was the highest-grossing boxing event at the Barclays Center which puts the Haney-Garcia contest in a tough spot as it has failed to turn fan interest into actual ticket sales.

However, the American promoter blasted the person in charge of scaling their fight and putting a high price tag on the tickets. Ellerbe wrote, “Clearly whomever scaled their fight didn’t know what tf they were doing and it will ultimately cost the fighters a bunch of money. While they’re making jokes, they should be focused on all those fkn tickets that’s still in the box office. Can’t blame Hearn on this one!!”

Unsold tickets will put a dent in ‘The Truth’ and ‘KingRy’s payouts, as the fight is not heading towards a sold-out event and will affect the fight’s revenue. The fighters usually take a share of the gate money and in this case, it may not amount to a lot.

Although promoter Eddie Hearn will be involved, the event will be promoted by Oscar De La Hoya and his  Golden Boy Promotions.

Many have wondered why the highly anticipated fight was not hosted in Las Vegas, which could have helped with the footfall. In February, Mayweather Promotions’ lynchpin painted the target at Oscar De La Hoya, as he declared, “When you rushing and don’t have everything buttoned up this kind of shi* happens. I love BK but Vegas is where the big $ are at. Not rocket science genius.”

The May 28, 2022 fight between Gervonta Davis and Rolando Romero sold a record-breaking 16,282 tickets at the Barclays Center and did a gate of over $4.49 million. With PPV share and guaranteed purse accounted for, Davis eventually ended up making $5 million from the bout while Romero added $1.5 million to his bank.

Read More: Mayweather Promotions CEO Details Why Rolando Romero vs. Gervonta Davis Was Not Held in Las Vegas: “Tank Sold That B**ch Out”

Now, unless De La Hoya decides to drop prices, the upcoming match between Garcia and Haney event might not sell out the arena. It’s a concern that has plagued Garcia too, who had put in the request to drop the prices as well.

‘KingRy’ is hesitant to buy the tickets himself

Garcia, 25, spoke to the media after his open media workout. He addressed the ticket situation and admitted that he wanted everyone to attend his fight while also throwing shade at Haney.

He said, “Devin Haney is not a draw, and I definitely have been carrying this promotion on my back by myself. Nobody wants to watch a guy that supposedly can’t crack an egg.” Garcia then mentioned how he had wanted prices to be lowered for his fight.

“I think I was a big advocate for lowering the prices. I think, personally, the prices were very high, and I want everybody to be in the building,” he added.

The 24-1 record holder added, “I don’t think a lot of Americans can afford $500 tickets for the top row. I wouldn’t even pay that, and I have enough money to do that, but I’m not going to pay $500 to be at the top row. That’s crazy.”

There is a growing consensus that the fight would have benefited if it were staged in Las Vegas. But hosting it in Brooklyn with high prices has affected sales. So, some are waiting for De La Hoya to slash the prices. But if it never comes, we might see some empty seats in the arena when the event goes live.

What do you make of these comments by Leonard Ellerbe? Do you agree with him that the scaling problem will rob Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia of a hefty payout? Let us know in the comments below.

Also Read: “How Long Did Leonard Ellerbe Abuse DAZN”: Eddie Hearn Fires Shots at Mayweather Promotions CEO, Al Haymon and PBC