Arum's Disappointment Haney vs. Prograis PPV Woes
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum reveals disappointment over the lackluster performance of the Devin Haney vs. Regis Prograis Pay-Per-View (PPV) event on DAZN, attributing the low numbers to a combination of factors. Arum emphasizes that the event's failure to draw in viewers wasn't due to a single issue but a culmination of various aspects. According to Arum, the timing played a significant role, as hosting an expensive PPV event, priced at $75, in December clashed with fans saving up for holiday expenses. Moreover, the simultaneous ESPN featherweight bout between Robeisy Ramirez and Rafael Espinoza on the same night proved to be more captivating, contrasting with the defensive style displayed in the Haney vs. Prograis fight. Arum highlights the mismatch perception surrounding the fight, where Prograis, an aging 35-year-old fighter, was seen as a cherry-picked opponent by Haney and his team. Prograis' recent performance slump and lack of popularity further diminished audience interest, leading to fans viewing the fight as strategically chosen for Haney's victory rather than as an intriguing match-up. While Arum didn't explicitly mention it, the undercard for the Haney vs. Prograis event also faced criticism for its lack of excitement, potentially contributing to the overall disappointment among viewers. Expressing his disappointment, Arum noted the challenges of hosting a PPV event in December, a time when people prioritize holiday expenses over purchasing fight events, reflecting on the impact on PPV numbers. The combination of timing, lack of a compelling fight narrative, and an uninspiring undercard collectively contributed to the unsatisfactory outcome of the Haney vs. Prograis PPV event, reflecting the complexities of boxing event success. #HaneyvsPrograis #BobArum #PPVDisappointment #Boxing #DevinHaney #RegisPrograis
