The frustration of boxing fans and experts is palpent as renowned boxing promoter Bill Haney mocked Shakur Stevenson on Twitter in an audacious jab; stirring the pot in a manner that seems to have become his calling card. Haney was not done yet. He also called out Leonard Ellerbe, whose words over a potential Gervonta Davis fight sent ripples through the boxing world.
Known for his uninhibited standpoint, Bill Haney’s knack for banter, nevertheless, goes beyond sass and theatrics. It’s an olympian game of chess: pressure, manipulation, gauging his opponent’s psyche, all meticulously cloaked in a red nose and overalls.
“Shakur twitterson, his words plenty but his actions measly. They’ll be better off renaming him keyboard warrior, eh?” read Bill Haney’s fire-starter tweet, pulling no punches. He aimed a low blow at Shakur Stevenson, the WBO junior lightweight champion. The tweet is seen as a direct response to Stevenson’s continual dodging of fight proposals, suggesting a lackadaisical approach to his professional boxing career.
What sets Bill Haney apart is his lack of reservations about using major platforms to hit straight – and hit hard. Past instances have shown he does not hesitate to call out those he deems blameworthy, causing major hullabaloos, but simultaneously, bolstering the discourse on neglected issues within the boxing world.
Next to fall under his radar was Leonard Ellerbe, the CEO of Mayweather Promotions. Haney lambasted Ellerbe’s handling of, and comments pertaining to, the proposed Gervonta Davis match. “Got a fat lip trying to blow into both ends of the trumpet, did Ellerbe!” Haney tweeted, a straightforward jab at Ellerbe’s management skills.
Evidently, Haney’s disapproval stems from Ellerbe’s remarks indicating that a sought-after showdown with Davis was off the table. Many boxing enthusiasts anticipated this bout, expecting a fight of the century limelight between the two pugilists. Ellerbe not only sparked the ire of the eager fans, but also managed to incur the wrath of Bill Haney, who has been vocal about professional boxers avoiding significant fights.
Is Haney’s audacity a calculated move that associates him with directness and honesty? Or is it simply a marketing strategy to raise interest in the bouts he promotes, utilizing social media as an easy, accessible platform? The jury is still out on this, as opinions are split.
One thing is certain, though: Bill Haney’s words have stirred up a whirlwind. His blend of claims, insinuations, and outright accusations provide ample kindling for the boxing gossip flame. However, they also resonate with deeper issues in the boxing industry today: the propensity to avoid major battles, ‘cherry-picking’ easier contests, and the question of whether this approach devalues the sport.
By stirring controversy, Haney is attempting to put boxing back on a path where the best fighters are willing to face each other to truly earn their place in the ring. His chastening words may come across as harsh or priggish, but they seemingly carry the intention of resuscitating the ailing spirit of competitive professional boxing.
In this digital age, where public opinion is formed and swayed by tweets that make headlines, controversial figures like Bill Haney certainly pack a punch. Whether his methods are seen as akin to a circus act, or hailed as a much-needed wakeup call to recalibrate a derailing industry, the echoes continue to resonate. Whatever the case, Haney is etching new wrinkles into the face of professional boxing.
