Devin Haney will fulfil a dream on Saturday night as he headlines at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, defending his WBC World Lightweight title against Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz, Jr.
Haney (26-0 15 KOs) puts his title on the line for the fourth time and will be looking to send a statement out to the rest of the lightweight division following George Kambosos Jr’s stunning upset win over Teofimo Lopez this past weekend.
Diaz Jr. (32-1-1 15 KOs) on the other hand, is out to dash Haney’s plans to be the new main attraction of the Las Vegas boxing scene. The former IBF super-featherweight champion will be looking to lay down his own marker to his 135lbs rivals by becoming the first man to defeat Haney as a professional.
“This is a dream come true to be living in Las Vegas and headlining the MGM Grand,” said Haney. “I never thought that it would come this fast, but it’s here and now it’s time for me to really perform at this great arena and show that I am here to stay.
“It’s going to be great to be back in front of fans in full force, there might not be anywhere better than the MGM Grand for a big fight, I’m so excited for this. I know what I am up against, and I am ready for it and the fans should be too.
“JoJo is a good fighter, he’s going to come to fight, we know that. He’s going to bring his best, I’m bringing mine. So, the best man will win – and that will be me. You can talk about size and heart, but I just feel that I am a better fighter than him and skills pay the bills.
“When fighters want to fight, it gets done. Sometimes the networks and the politics get in the way, but nine times out of ten, you can make any fighter as the fighters have the power.
“Everybody says ‘I’m gonna bang Devin out’. I’ve been seeing that my whole life. Did I get this far by letting people rough me up or bang me out? Come on. I can do everything, so you can do whatever you want, it’s not going to work. I don’t know how you beat me; I can’t tell you.”
Feature image: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing