Young in age but seasoned in experience, Devin Haney has barely broken a sweat during his time in the pros. Even as the competition has gotten stiffer, the 24-year has upped his game considerably, cruising to countless decisions en route to an undisputed title reign.
Standing atop his lightweight throne, the Las Vegas native urged his division's top contenders to step up to the plate and challenge him. While no one has yet to do so, this Saturday night, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, Haney (29-0, 15 KOs) isn’t expecting your typical run-of-the-mill night at the office when he squares off against former lightweight kingpin, Vasiliy Lomachenko.
“On paper, this is my toughest test,” said Haney recently during their final presser.
Prior to his stint sequestered on the sidelines as he aided his native land in the ongoing Russian invasion, the Ukrainian made it look relatively easy in the ring. Nevertheless, a seemingly slower and less reactionary Lomachenko (17-2, 11 KOs) emerged.
His performance, paired with his 35-year-old birth certificate, has left many believing that while Haney will have a relatively difficult time in the ring, the much younger and fresher man will find a way to pull out the victory.
Still, despite oddsmakers firmly backing him, Haney immured himself in a difficult training camp. In doing so, the slick-hitting young star admits that he was forced to dig deep in preparation. In addition to believing that the work he put in behind closed doors will aid him come Saturday night, more than anything, Haney is convinced that his overall skills and tenacity will allow him to march seamlessly to the finish line with his hand held high in triumph.
“I look to make it an easy night on Saturday night," continued Haney. "As easy as possible and come out victorious.”
