WBC lightweight champion Devin Haney says his fight against Jorge Linares is the biggest of his career to date at the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on May 29, live worldwide on DAZN.
Haney (25-0, 18 KOs) puts his title on the line for the third time against the former multiple division world champion, Linares (47-5, 29 KOs), and ‘The Dream’, who is entering the last week of training camp, talks about his matchup with Linares, what a win will do for his career, fighting at home, and more.
“It’s been a great eight-week camp. I started in Las Vegas, got some light sparring, then traveled to the Bay Area. I spent three weeks training with Victor Conte and Remi Korchemny at SNAC. The remaining weeks, I’ve been in Las Vegas, getting great sparring work with local pros that have been pushing me hard. I’m ready! The world will see, I’m the best fighter on the planet.
“Linares is a great fighter that has a lot left in the tank. He has held multiple world championships in three weight classes and he’s by far the biggest step up in my career. I give my dad Bill Haney, who is my trainer, a lot of credit, we know exactly what it takes to get this done on May 29th. My skills are on another level and I will make the necessary adjustments, wear him down and completely dominate this fight.
“This is the biggest fight of my career. A victory against Linares should gain me a lot of respect. Everyone knows that Linares is a dangerous fighter and winning this fight gives more reasons to all of the writers, fans, and boxing insiders, to campaign the unification fight with Teófimo López, or at the very least, a world title defense against Ryan Garcia. I’m putting the pressure on them.
“Las Vegas is where I currently reside. I’m thrilled to have an opportunity to fight in front of my family and friends. I’ve only fought in Vegas a couple of times, way back in 2016, before I became a world champion. I’m 100% ready to show up and show out. Las Vegas is the mecca of boxing’s biggest shows and for me this is just the beginning. Now that COVID restrictions are loosening, I’m encouraging all the fans from around the world to come out and enjoy a great night of boxing. It’s going to be fireworks.”
Yaaaaaaarrrrnnnn!!! I will wait for a better competitor to fight Haney.
Linares has an aggressive style that will push Haney. Should be good. Linares deserves more credit which shows Haney will not get any credit no matter how good he boxes.
I got Linares beating him
As I mentioned before, a prime Linares would beat Haney in my opinion. Linares would school Haney in his prime with his workhorse style. However, the tables are turned now. Linares is sliding downhill some due to his advancing age. Haney will win on youth and athleticism.
Lanares never fought anyone with Haney skillset. Loma eventually picked him apart easily. Theres good reason Loma gave up his title to not fight Haney. Loma was an outstanding amateur. Haney is elite pro boxer that cant get other champs in the ring. Linares is a throwback willing to fight anybody. Im a fan of both. Linares is timeless and not far from his best days. He actually gets better relying on increased workrate and less on his fast twitch reflexes.
Should be an entertaining fight at least until Ryan Garcia gets his act together and fights Haney.
Linares is shot, Paper champ knows how to pick em.
Too bad I don’t live in Vegas anymore. I still might have to fly out for this. This is going to be lit!