By: Sean Crose
While Ryan Garcia has drawn plenty of attention to himself leading up to Saturday night’s fight with Devin Haney, the WBC junior welterweight champion has largely remained focused on the task at hand. “I’ve done my work in training camp,” Haney told the media during a press conference Thursday to promote this weekend’s game. “I did everything I had to do,” he continued. “I’m on a diet. I did everything I had to do in this camp to be the best Devin Haney. So when I win, give me credit.”
When asked about the fact that he might not get credit for defeating Garcia due to Garcia’s unusual behavior before the fight, Haney appeared unfazed. “They’re going to say what they’re going to say,” the 25-year-old said, “and it is what it is.” Indeed, Haney made it clear that, although he’s focused on Saturday’s game at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, he has big plans. “I’m chasing greatness,” he said, “I want to be mentioned with the greats when all is said and done.”
And Garcia hits hard? “I’m on another level,” Haney said of his rude note. “I’m at a higher level than him. I see it’s an early night now. I don’t think Ryan can go 12 hours with me. His antics will abandon him. It will show, all this bullshit, it will show There are no secrets in boxing.” Haney wasn’t the only one who noticed Garcia’s “antics.” The public has been inundated with Garcia’s social media posts over the past several weeks, some of which have been strange to say the least. Haney, on the other hand, took a softer (some say determined) approach.
“I had that tunnel vision,” he said. So Garcia’s behavior doesn’t cause him trouble? “Ryan is just another opponent on the list…there’s nothing he can say to take me out of his game plan. I am here for a reason.” When a reporter asked what people could expect on Saturday, Haney responded by uttering a single creation: “Fireworks.” Although not known as a tough player, Haney is making it clear that he wants to put in an impressive performance on Saturday. However, if Garcia is truly ready to fight, stopping him at long range may not be an easy task. Garcia, after all, has a thunderous left hand. Once again, Haney possesses a lightning skill.
