DAZN can put Devin Haney’s name into its logo, but selling American fans on a Liam Paro fight will take more than a profile picture.
The “DEVN” treatment gives Haney plenty of promotional attention. It also raises expectations for a fighter whose victories over Jose Ramirez and Brian Norman Jr. offered little incentive for viewers wanting sustained action to return.
Haney won both fights. The criticism is what audiences got along the way: holding, jabbing, movement, and long stretches without much happening. Another belt would improve his collection, but another performance along those lines could leave DAZN with the same entertainment issue.
The Ring reports that Haney and Paro have agreed to a WBO and IBF welterweight unification targeted for the United States before the end of the year. That gives the proposed fight a championship selling point. It does not automatically give it an eager American audience. The Ring
Paro brings a title, but he has yet to establish himself as an opponent who can generate substantial U.S. interest on name recognition alone. This looks like a fight that needs selling, rather than one fans have been clamoring to see.
His victory over Subriel Matias deserves credit. Going to Puerto Rico and beating Matias was a significant achievement. However, Richardson Hitchins took Paro’s IBF light welterweight title in his next appearance, winning a split decision in December 2024. Results & Post-Fight Report
That defeat also gives Haney reason to believe he can control the Australian with his jab and distance. Hitchins and Haney are different fighters, but Paro would again need answers against an opponent comfortable making him reach and punishing unsuccessful attempts to close in.
There is no guarantee Paro supplies the action either. His job would be to beat Haney, and he has no obligation to take reckless chances simply because DAZN needs exciting footage.
That leaves Haney responsible for giving viewers something beyond another technically effective victory. He can win rounds without taking many risks. Whether that approach makes people enthusiastic about his next appearance is a separate issue.
The temporary logo is harmless promotion. The larger gamble is giving Haney the star treatment without getting performances that build an audience.
A loss to Paro would hurt. Another uneventful win could leave DAZN celebrating two titles while still struggling to sell the fighter holding them.