By: Sean Crose
“This is a dream come true to live in Las Vegas and represent the MGM Grand,” WBC’s Devin Haney said ahead of Saturday’s battle with Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz, Jr. “I never thought it would come so quickly, but here it is and now is the time for me to really perform in this great arena and prove that I am here to stay. If Haney had his way, he’d probably have many more nights under the lights of Vegas. “It would be great to be back in front of the fans with full force,” he added, “there is no better place than the MGM Grand for a big battle, I am delighted for this. I know what I’m up against, and I’m ready for it and so are the fans. ”
It’s clear that the 26-0 Vegas resident isn’t getting rid of his 32-1-1 opponent, who has beaten the likes of Tevin Farmer, and whose lone loss came to the glove of Gary Russell Jr by more than three last year. “JoJo is a good fighter,” Haney said, “he’s coming to fight, we know it. He’ll bring his best, I’ll bring mine. So the groomsmen will win – and that will be me. You can talk about size and heart, but I just feel that I am a better boxer than him and skill pays. ”
As far as Haney is concerned, matches between high-level opponents are entirely possible, despite the perception that such matches are nearly impossible to materialize. “When the fighters want to fight, it will be done,” he said. “Sometimes networks and politics get in the way, but nine times out of ten you can make any warrior because warriors have power.” It’s a statement that is rarely said these days.
As for the opponents he faces, Haney seems used to being underrated. “Everybody says ‘I’m going to beat Devin’,” Haney announced. I can do everything, so you can do whatever you want, it won’t work. I don’t know how you beat me; I can’t tell you.” Jo Jo Diaz has Whether those ideas will really make their way into the ring this weekend remains to be seen.
* Cover image source: Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing USA
