Haney promises absolute dominance over Linares in Las Vegas

‘The Dream’ acknowledges he has a great opportunity against ‘Niño de Oro’ to retain WBC lightweight title

Young American Devin ‘The Dream’ Haney predicted a memorable performance this Saturday night in Las Vegas when he challenges former Venezuelan world champion Jorge ‘Niño de Oro’ Linares for the World Boxing Council lightweight championship in a fight promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions.

Haney is listed as the favorite to defeat Linares. The American, according to the odds, is up by 8 to 1, which for many is a disrespect to the Venezuelan’s career, although it shows that the champion is going through a better moment than the former featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight world champion.

“This is the opportunity I’ve always been waiting for, this is the moment I can finally shine against an amazing opponent who can give me a great fight. This is a great opportunity to show what I’m made of,” said Haney, who is coming off a win over Yuriorkis Gamboa and will arrive with a record of 25-0 with 15 knockouts.

“Like Jorge said, this is a different level, but I’m ready. I’m going to have a dominant performance. I think they’re going to be surprised with the kind of show I’m going to give them. I even think Jorge is going to be surprised with the kind of fighter I am,” added the 22-year-old American who practically started his professional career on Mexican soil.

But Jorge Linares is not intimidated by anything. The 35-year-old Venezuelan, who is 47-5 with 29 knockouts, knows he is facing a great opportunity to win a new crown. “I feel better than other times, that against Kevin Mitchell, Anthony Crolla, Vasiliy Lomachenko. I think it has been my most important camp, a great opportunity in my life, we are a couple of days away,” Linares expressed.

“I respect Haney’s comments, he has been thinking about what will happen after this fight, the possibility of fighting [Teofilo] Lopez and others at lightweight. I’m thinking about becoming world champion again and keep fighting the best in the division. There are good opponents and champions, I will be ready for it”, concluded the Venezuelan.