“Dev is the only fighter out here really taking fights, you know, or risking,” Martin told Fight Hub TV. “He taking risky fights and he been doing it for a long time. I take my hat off to Devin just because of that.”
Traveling to Australia for the undisputed lightweight championship serves as a clear example. Haney went overseas for the title and returned for the contracted rematch instead of maneuvering around the obligation.
Keyshawn Davis handled his recent opportunity against Haney differently. Davis moved to welterweight, earned the WBO mandatory position and called for the fight, but passed once the deal was available.
Martin believes Davis should have accepted the offer and used a victory over Haney to increase his market value.
“You get what you asked for. You get it. You turn it down,” Martin said. “I get it. He wanted more money, you know. But the more money would have came. If you go and you win, you become that guy. You take that spot. Of course, the money going to go up.”
The broader critique targets fighters attempting to copy Floyd Mayweather’s blueprint while skipping the sacrifices required to eventually dictate terms.
Haney took the opposite route.
“He fighting tough fighters,” Martin said. “He winning, beating fighters who people think he not going to beat. So, man, I give it to Devin right now.”
Frank went further, crediting Haney with having “the biggest heart right now” and taking “the most risk” among fighters in and around the lighter divisions.
