Devin ‘The Dream’ Haney has arrived down under for his rematch with former champion George Kambosos Jr as the lightweight division watches on in anticipation.
Haney won the WBA, WBC, IBF, IBO and The Ring titles from Kambosos back in June following the Australian’s shock win over Teofimo Lopez. The fight in Melbourne was a shutout, with Haney showing his elite ability on his way to becoming the first undisputed lightweight champion since Pernell Whitaker in 1990.
Haney and his team caught up with Sporting News Australia when they touched down, with the young fighter talking about his attitude to the fights and whether we’ve seen the best of him.
“It’s still hunter mentality, you guys will see on October 16th … No [you haven’t seen the best of me], not yet. You guys will see more of Devin Haney. Not the best on October 16, but more.”
Asked what he thinks about Kambosos floating the idea of retirement should he lose to Haney twice in a row, the champ didn’t agree.
“I don’t think he [Kambosos] should retire. I think he’s a great competitor, he’s a big name in the sport – just because he loses to me doesn’t mean that he needs to retire.”
Haney’s father and trainer, Bill, spoke on the dangers of the rematch – namely that the challenge now has nothing to lose.
“We know that George is a desperate man, he’s an unpredictable man, he is a man that has everything to win and nothing to lose at this point – so we’ve prepared for the unpreparable if that can make sense.”
“[Defending the belts] will be one more step towards the greatness he wants to have in boxing. Being on the Mount Rushmore of boxing. All time greats. To come and defend the belts as an undisputed champion will be quite a remarkable feat.”
It’s good to see him there backing his son, having almost missed the first fight due to visa issues and only making it there on the day of.
The undisputed title defense takes place on Saturday October 15 (Sunday 16 in Australia) and will be available in the US via ESPN+ and is likely to land on Sky Sports in the UK.