Boxing Champ Devin Haney Donates Shrimp, Crab Legs, and Cash to the Homeless on Skid Row

Getty Images | Christian Petersen

After 24 wins to 0 losses, boxing superstar Devin “The Dream” Haney made use of his $1 million winnings by hitting the streets of Los Angeles. But rather than going on a spending spree in Santa Monica, the young boxer chose to share the wealth in one of the most notoriously derelict communities in SoCal: Skid Row.

On Nov. 18, 2019, the 21-year-old California native filled his SUV with a stockpile of food, including shrimp and crab legs, and drove to Skid Row to feed the homeless. It was the day after Haney’s birthday.

Haney later posted about his charitable outing on Instagram. “The things they don’t see,” he wrote beside footage and pictures of his street-side mission, “but if I don’t post I couldn’t inspire others to do the same!

“Today I gave out food on Skid Row, and when I ran out of food, I gave money to the ones that didn’t get a plate. #GodIsGood.”

Comments from social media users poured in. Many expressed pride and gratitude; some worried about what the money would be spent on; others simply recognized Haney’s good deed.

“Real champ no matter what the critics say,” wrote one fan.

“Inspiration to the young people! Proud of you!” wrote another.

“This makes me wanna cry,” another Instagram user commented, adding, “I see so many homeless people on the streets, and people just walk on by them. Not all are addicted to drugs and alcohol. They just need a lil help.

“There [are] some good people out there that show love even if it’s just giving $1. You’re an amazing young man to help those people out. Kudos to you sir!”

Haney became the youngest world champion since 1996 by winning the title of World Boxing Council lightweight champion in October 2019. Haney won after fighting in a final eliminating bout against Russia’s Zaur Abdullaev.

Hitting Skid Row after a big win was not the first time Haney had gone out of his way to help the homeless. In May 2019, Haney was a volunteer at the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY) in Las Vegas.

Haney (L) throws a left hook at Rafael Vazquez during their super featherweight fight in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 9, 2016. ©Getty Images | Christian Petersen

According to World Boxing News, Haney later thanked the staff at NPHY for the experience. “Thank you, Rachel and staff, at Nevada Partnerships for Homeless Youth for giving me the opportunity to meet so many strong and resilient teenagers,” he said.

“I’m truly inspired by all their stories and even more impressed by the smiles they maintain through all the adversity,” Haney added, as quoted by WBN. “There are some very beautiful and talented people there. Life for me will never be the same.”

Haney attends the DailyMail.com & DailyMailTV Summer Party at Tom Tom in West Hollywood on July 11, 2018. ©Getty Images | Araya Diaz

The Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce estimates that the heart of Skid Row comprises roughly 50 city blocks and between 8,000 and 11,000 homeless individuals.

It’s an inspiration to boxing fans around the world that Haney, a 21-year-old champ, makes time between fights and training sessions to give back to a community that desperately needs assistance.