Champion or Chump, we’ll soon find out if Devin Haney has what it takes
In the world of boxing, promoting your career can be tricky and you can’t get yourself involved in anything your coach/mentor would call a distraction. It’s all about staying focused, staying on point! Never, ever, miss a workout, shorten a rest period, eat poorly or miss an opportunity to learn from the grandmasters whether on video or in person.
On Thursday, August 30, 2018, the undefeated lightweight prospect Devin “The Dream” Haney and Bill Haney Sr. (his father, manager, and trainer) took time away from training to talk with members of the Las Vegas Press to discuss their ongoing preparations for the Friday, September 28th showdown with three-time world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos on ShoBox: The New Generation. If you’re into boxing, I’m sure you’ve heard at least some of the superlatives being tossed about in regards to this youngster, who they’re calling “the next Floyd Mayweather”, “a clone of the great one” and “the future of boxing.”
In his 10-round main event on ShoBox at the brand new Pechanga Summit, Haney will be headling a nine-bout fight card with nothing but highly competitive matches, three of which will air live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif. The 19-year-old, who made his debut just 24 days after his 17th birthday is now an incredible 19-0 with 13 KOs and he’s making his second appearance of 2018 on ShoBox. His opponent, Burgos (33-2-2, 21 KOs), is a veteran of twice as many fights and his only defeats have come in world championship bouts. That being said, Burgos is a major step-up in competition.
Here is what the Haneys, father, and son had to say on the 3oth of August at the City Athletic Boxing Gym at 3401 Sammy Davis Jr. Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada.
DEVIN HANEY
On his upcoming fight with Juan Carlos Burgos:
“Juan Carlos Burgos is a tough opponent who’s been in multiple world title fights and has a lot of experience. This will definitely be my toughest fight to date on paper, and on September 28, I will show the world what Devin Haney is made of.”
On having his first show as a promoter:
“I believe I’m the youngest promoter in boxing history and it makes me very excited to make that claim. I look forward to putting on great fights. I’m going to be the next superstar in the sport, and I want to give other fighters opportunities to showcase their talents. It’s a dream come true and I couldn’t be happier to be fighting on SHOWTIME under Devin Haney Promotions.”
On fighting at Pechanga Resort Casino:
“Pechanga is a beautiful venue where a lot of big fights have taken place. I’m thrilled to be fighting at the new Summit arena, and it’s a great time for DHP because I know we are going to pack the house.”
On making his second appearance on SHOWTIME:
“Man, it’s a blessing to be fighting on SHOWTIME not once, but twice, before my 20th birthday. The national exposure we get is incredible. Everyone knows SHOWTIME is the king of boxing and I will shine just like I did last time. The fans can expect another great performance.”
On what fans can expect from him on fight night:
“The fans can expect fireworks! I will show the world my style, the ‘Devin Haney’ style! Everything that I do will be on display.”
BILL HANEY SR.
On the progress of his son’s development:
“Devin is really coming into his own. Every day he’s getting better and better. There is no limit to his ability when it comes to boxing. He’s a prodigy like no other in the sport. He will be a superstar in boxing.”
As far as the description of being a prodigy, you’d have to agree, especially when you’re son can basically play any sport at an early age, and be a standout performer as Devin Haney was on the gridiron in high school and later in USA Amateur Boxing. Of course, having both your father and a gentleman like Floyd Mayweather Jr. take an interest in your development helps.
On his recent training camp:
“Training camp is going as planned and Devin is looking unbelievable. We’ve been doing a lot of strength and conditioning training at the SNAC facility with Victor Conte, and it’s been fantastic. Right now Devin is strong and very sharp.”
“Burgos is a dangerous fighter with world championship experience who went 12 rounds with one of the best fighters [Mikey Garcia] in boxing. These are the type of fights that take a fighter’s career to the next level, and I believe Devin is ready to graduate.”
Note well: This seven-time national junior amateur champion, who turned pro at age 16 in Mexico, has had an opportunity to spar with many great fighters to include the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr., Shawn Porter, and Rances Barthelemy.
Lesson to be learned: You can’t do it all by yourself. This is what you learn while watching the continuous development of Devin Haney’s impervious, masterfully orchestrated career. Aside from the normal fixation, distraction with the flashy, glitzy women and flashy, glitzy cars, young Mr. Haney appears to be on track to become the heir apparent to Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s crown. Or is he? We’ll soon find out on Friday evening.
