Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia Purse Split - Who Makes More?

Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia have agreed on a purse split for their upcoming fight, an arrangement that has stirred much discussion among boxing enthusiasts.

Devin Haney, the WBC super-lightweight world champion, will receive a smaller share of the purse, 45%, while Ryan Garcia, who does not hold a belt but boasts substantial internet fame, will take a larger share of 55%. This decision was revealed by Bill Haney, Devin's father and trainer, during a discussion on Michael Benson's X space on April 6, 2024.

Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia on April 20th is a 55/45 purse split in favour of Garcia, Devin's father/trainer Bill Haney has revealed. Devin agreed to take the smaller split despite being the WBC super-lightweight world champion in order to make the fight happen. [@WsbRemy]

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) April 6, 2024

Ryan Garcia's larger share can be attributed to his massive online following which gives him significant economic influence in the sport. Despite being beltless compared to the world champion Haney, Garcia's popularity has translated into greater financial pull. Devin Haney’s last fight against Regis Prograis reportedly garnered only 60,000 Pay-Per-View (PPV) buys. This was seen as a contributing factor to Garcia's initial hesitation to fight Haney.

In the beginning, Ryan Garcia expressed a preference for fighting Rolly Romero over Devin Haney due to Haney's low PPV numbers. He voiced this on social media and suggested that Haney should fight someone else because of these numbers.

Eventually, for the anticipated match with Garcia to happen, Devin Haney agreed to accept a smaller portion of the purse. The unusual arrangement has drawn comparisons to Floyd Mayweather's rise after defeating Oscar De La Hoya despite receiving a smaller purse split.

This decision by Devin Haney to take less money illuminates the intriguing dynamics at play within professional boxing negotiations. Where once championship status might have guaranteed the lion’s share of a prize purse, the emergence of fighters with large social media followings like Ryan Garcia represents a shift towards rewarding economic influence and potential marketability.

The incident brings under scrutiny the leverage that popularity and social media presence can command in professional sports today. It is noteworthy that economic clout may at times overshadow traditional accolades within certain contexts.

This situation posits an important case study regarding the evolving economics of professional boxing and possibly sets precedents for future negotiations.

Devin Haney is recognized for his impressive craftsmanship inside the ring as the WBC super-lightweight world champion.

Ryan Garcia has effectively used his social media platforms to build a significant following which extends beyond traditional boxing audiences - illustrating how athletes today can leverage their online presence into tangible economic benefits in their professional careers.