WBC lightweight title holder Devin Haney feels three-weight champion Jorge Linares will represent the sternest test of his career to date when they lock horns at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, on May 29.
Haney (25-0, 18 KOs) is engaged in his final week of training camp and keen to prove he is the premier lightweight in the 135lbs division, with a bout against undisputed champion Teofimo Lopez or California star Ryan Garcia at the top of his wish list.
First, he must derail Venezuelan veteran Linares (47-5, 29 KOs) who has mixed it with the best in a stellar 19-year career.
“Linares is a great fighter that has a lot left in the tank,” said Haney. “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 29. 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 defence against Ryan Garcia. I’m putting the pressure on them.”