Devin Haney pushed back after the word “hate” was used to describe boxing’s sanctioning bodies during a debate on The Ring podcast.
The conversation featured Mike Coppinger, Max Kellerman and veteran boxing journalist Doug Fischer discussing the role boxing’s governing bodies still play in the sport as new ideas such as the proposed Zuffa belt begin to enter the landscape.
During the exchange, one remark cut through the discussion.
The Word ‘Hate’ Used to Describe Sanctioning Bodies
“Right, we hate the sanctioning bodies,” said Coppinger.
The use of the word “hate” stood out because sanctioning bodies, despite frequent criticism, remain the foundation of boxing’s championship system.
Haney responded by offering the fighter’s perspective.
“Just me as a fighter, we cannot say everyone hates the sanctioning bodies,” Haney explained.
For many fighters, he said, those titles are the target from the moment they enter the sport.
“As a young 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 made clear he was not dismissing the arrival of new ideas in boxing, including the Zuffa championship concept now being discussed.
“But also I’m for the Zuffa belt and everything, those are good,” he said. “But we cannot forget about these sanctioning bodies.”
The reason, Haney added, remains simple.
“As a fighter, you want to be recognized as the actual champion.”
The debate came as the panel discussed the International Boxing Federation’s stance regarding IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia and the possibility of fighters risking their titles by competing for rival promotional belts.
Fighter Perspective
Haney’s comments carried weight given his own path through the sport. The American has held versions of the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO titles and understands first-hand what those belts represent to fighters climbing the ranks.
Speaking as a multi-belt champion, Haney’s point was that the four sanctioning bodies still form the structure many fighters chase from the moment they enter the sport.
The exchange also highlighted the direction of the debate now taking place in boxing. The Ring podcast, which featured Coppinger, Kellerman and Fischer, sits in a wider landscape that currently includes Riyadh Season’s growing involvement in the sport and the discussion around new championship ideas such as the proposed Zuffa title.
For some observers, hearing the word “hate” used to describe sanctioning bodies was striking given how central those same organizations have been to boxing’s championship system for decades.
Those bodies oversee rankings, mandatory challengers and title recognition that ultimately determine who is considered champion in each division.
Many sanctioning bodies also run charitable initiatives and support programs aimed at assisting former fighters who have fallen on hard times. This behind-the-scenes work sometimes goes unnoticed, particularly when debate on a platform like The Ring podcast has the potential to sway opinion.
Haney’s response therefore reflected the view from inside the ropes. While new ideas and new belts may emerge, the traditional titles still represent the achievements most fighters grow up pursuing.
Changing Landscape
The discussion also arrives during a period of transition for The Ring, which has become increasingly associated with Riyadh Season and Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in boxing under Turki Alalshikh.
As new ventures such as Zuffa Boxing attempt to reshape parts of the championship structure, debates over how titles should be recognized are likely to continue.
For fighters like Haney, the view remains straightforward. However, describing boxing’s title structure with a word as strong as “hate” is another matter entirely.
Whatever changes may come to boxing’s landscape, the traditional belts remain the greatest prizes fighters have chased for generations.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.
