Jordan White has been close to Devin Haney since their amateur days. Now, he says, it’s time for him to follow his friend’s lead.
White, a gifted, well-schooled 130-pound prospect, intends to make a strong impression against Eridson Garcia in the “ShoBox: The New Generation” main event Friday night in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (Showtime).
Then, if things go well, it’s on to Haney-like accomplishments.
“Devin Haney and I always roomed together when we traveled,” said White, who will have his friend’s father, Bill Haney, in his corner. “We grew up together. We are close. We went to the junior Olympics together. I was in Devin’s camps for the Vasiliy Lomachenko and George Kambosos fights. We sparred together.
“It was a great experience for me to be around the mindset of a world champion.”
White (14-1, 10 KOs) was a top junior amateur, reportedly finishing his non-paid career with a record of 145-16 and multiple national championships. He beat Vergil Ortiz and Brandun Lee along the way.
And, after turning pro at 18, he won the first four fights. Then he ran into trouble, losing a one-sided decision to fellow prospect Adam Lopez in a six-round 126-pound fight in 2017.
The setback slowed his momentum. However, after stepping away for 16 months, he returned with a vengeance. He won his next 10 fights – seven by knockout – to remind everyone of the ability he displayed as an amateur.
The run includes a unanimous decision over Derrick Murray in August, his most-recent fight.
Garcia (17-0, 11 KOs) probably is White’s most significant test. The Dominican southpaw also has a solid amateur background and has been untouchable as a pro, fighting second-tier foes – like White – primarily in the U.S.
White believes a victory over Garcia will lift him into the rankings, which is step closer to realizing his potential.
“This is my time,” White said. “Garcia is coming into our territory. He’s another [obstacle] in front of me on the way to where I need to be. A win over Garcia gets me ranked high in the WBC and another big opportunity on Showtime to be able to showcase all my skills.
“I will show the world what they’ve been missing.”
He went on: “I’ve been doing this my whole life. I’m a nine-time national champion. I’ve been boxing for 15 years. I worked hard to be here. I belong here. I earned my spot with hard work. I’m here to stay.”
