Why Ryan Garcia Has More Respect Than Shakur Stevenson? Bill Haney Answers

Who earns respect in the fierce world of boxing? Bill Haney has some thoughts regarding this question. As the trainer and father of Devin Haney, Bill’s no stranger to the spotlight. Remember when he dismissed Shakur Stevenson for not signing a fight contract? That’s a move that still echoes in the boxing community. Now, with the Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia fight slated for April 20 at the Barclays Center, the stakes are high.

Despite previous tensions and a heated face-off at the Empire State Building, Bill respects Garcia for stepping up. That being said, why does Garcia gain Bill’s nod over Stevenson?

Signed, sealed, delivered: Haney praises Ryan Garcia for stepping up

In an interview with Fighthype.com, Bill Haney opened up about the respect dynamics in professional boxing, particularly when it comes to Ryan Garcia and Shakur Stevenson. “Listen but there’s a different level of respect and disrespect. One respect you have to have for a fighter that actually signs the fight to make it happen and with Ryan Garcia, he signed the contract. He was just at the Empire State Building, right? He didn’t show up, Devin slap the sh*t out of him but I give him respect cause he showed up and he going to make it happen but he been disrespectful,” Bill explained.

This comment sheds light on a recent incident where things got heated between Devin and Ryan at the Empire State Building, highlighting the tension and drama encapsulating this upcoming fight. “So for that reason I don’t care nothing about what Devin does to him in the ring, you see what I mean. But for a guy (Shakur Stevenson) that talk sh*t, doesn’t sign an agreement, doesn’t do everything to sign an agreement but comes back to the social media, I ain’t got no respect for that,” Bill explained.

This stark contrast in his tone when discussing Garcia and Stevenson shows a clear divide in how he views respect earned through actions rather than just words. In the same interview, he branded Shakur as the “King” of publicity stunts.

Bill Haney calls out Shakur Stevenson’s digital tactics

Bill Haney doesn’t mince words when it comes to Shakur Stevenson’s approach to boxing promotions. In the same chat with Fight Hype, Bill voiced his skepticism about Stevenson’s sincerity. “Just like he turned down the fight on social media. He called for the fight on social media. He does a lot on social media—you know what I mean,” Bill remarked.

Despite previous talks where Haney offered Stevenson a 25% share of the purse—a proposal Stevenson declined—Bill remains unimpressed. “I told you before that there’s publicity stunts, and then there’s publicity stunters. He’s [a] King stunter because everything that he does is on social media,” he added, underscoring his point with clear frustration.

So, what do you think? Can social media antics truly replace genuine sportsmanship, or does the path to respect require something more tangible?