Devin Haney believes that Jorge Linares will bring the best version out of him and says victory will prove that he amongst the elite fighters in the world.
Haney puts his WBC Lightweight title on the line in his biggest step up to date against experienced, three-weight world champion, Linares at Michelob ULTRA Arena, Las Vegas on Saturday, live on DAZN.
The 22-year-old, who has added Ben Davison to his coaching team alongside head trainer and father Bill Haney, says his opponent has a full repertoire of weapons, but insists this will raise his game and further stake his claim as one of if not the best Lightweight in the world.
“I am expecting a firefight and I can’t wait,” Haney said to Matchroom Boxing.
“We don’t know what Jorge will turn up, but I am ready for anything, and I can’t wait to show it.
“Jorge brings so much to the table. Speed, power, ring IQ, experience against the best of the best, and I think he’s the type of opponent that will bring the best out of me, make me bring out my A-game, take it to the next level, the elite level.
“People think he will have success, some think he will even win the fight, and that’s why it will show that I am elite and one of the best, if not the best, in the world.
“Every day, my dad and I get to know each other more and more. This camp has been great and we’re both ready for this one night to show everything we have been working on.
“You can’t train for me, because you don’t know what style I am going to bring. I’ve learned so many different styles and I can adjust, and that’s the difference between me and a lot of other fighters.”
Linares, who held the WBC title between 2014-2015 believes that his pedigree on the world stage will prove crucial and has warned the champion he is entering a new level when they meet.
However, Haney who made a second defence of his belt with a dominant unanimous decision win over Yuriorkis Gamboa in November has promised to shock the Venezuelan with his performance on Saturday.
“This is the time I’ve been waiting for,” Haney said during Thursday’s press conference.
“This is the moment, this is my time to finally shine against a credible opponent, someone who the world thinks can put up a good fight against me and maybe win the fight.
“So, this is a huge opportunity for me, but this is time for me to show everything that I’m made of.
“Like Jorge said, this is a whole new level but I’m ready for it.
“It’ll be a very dominant performance; I think the world will be surprised at what kind of performance it is. I think even Jorge will be surprised with what type of fighter I am.”
