Devin Haney has branded Teofimo Lopez a “duck” after their proposed fight collapsed.
BoxingScene reported on Tuesday that Lopez and Haney had signed to fight each other on August 16 in Saudi Arabia.
Despite Lopez holding the WBO super lightweight title, the bout was reportedly going to take place at a 145lb catchweight.
However later on Tuesday, Ring Magazine [which is owned by Turki Alalshikh, who was preparing to bankroll the bout] reported that the fight had fallen apart.
According to Haney, he had signed his contract to face the 27-year-old, but claims his rival refused to sign.
“I was looking forward to making this fight with Teo, it’s been in the works for a while now,” the 26-year-old told The Ring.
“I thought this was the best time to make it happen.
“I did my part. We waited for days for Teo to sign his part of the contract and he came out and said this isn’t a fight he wants to make.
“I’m still willing to make the biggest and best fights.
“I’m looking forward to working with His Excellency, Riyadh Season and The Ring on the best possible opponent.
“Teo is a f***ing duck. No promoter should work with Teo because he wasted everybody’s time.”
Both men featured on the same card on May 2 at Times Square with Lopez defending his title with a unanimous decision win over Arnold Barboza Jr while Haney overcame Jose Ramirez also on points.
Lopez had been eyeing a clash with unified welterweight world champion, Jaron Ennis but after the Philadelphia man reportedly declined a showdown with him, a bout with Haney was then discussed.
‘The Takeover’ saw himself in hot water with Alalshikh following a series of posts on X, in which he criticised the Saudi Arabian boxing chief.
& I wanted the fight at 147 he wanted the fight at 140 we negotiated to meet at 145 even though he was willing to fight boots at 147
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) June 3, 2025
The Brooklyn man did apologise for the outburst, writing on X: “To His Excellency @Turki_alalshikh, I take full responsibility for my inappropriate words on the ‘X app.’
“I publicly apologize to HE; I will conduct myself with greater respect, humility, and professionalism.
“Sending love and light to all. TY.”
