It's not the opponent Devin Haney wanted for his 2021 debut, but it will be his sternest test to date as he looks to defend the WBC lightweight title for the third time against former three-division champion Jorge Linares on Saturday, May 29 from the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
Haney''s (25-0, 18 KOs) successfully defended the WBC belt with lopsided decision wins over Alfredo Santiago in November 2019 and most recently, Yuriorkis Gamboa in November. While it isn't fellow lightweight stars Ryan Garcia, Gervonta Davis or Teofimo Lopez, "The Dream" understands that Linares is by far the biggest name on his resume.
“I’m very excited to be making my third world title defense against a great fighter like Jorge Linares, who will be the best fighter I will have ever faced in my career,” said Haney in a press release. “He’s a three-division world champion who has fought at the championship level for the past thirteen years.
“I grew up watching Linares and the fact that this fight is happening in Las Vegas is incredible. Boxing fans around the world are eager to see me step up in competition which is great, and I know Linares is coming to fight. I’m ready to give the fans a spectacular performance. The better competition brings the best out of me. Against Linares, I’m going to show the world why I’m the king of the lightweight division.”
Haney''s (25-0, 18 KOs) successfully defended the WBC belt with lopsided decision wins over Alfredo Santiago in November 2019 and most recently, Yuriorkis Gamboa in November. While it isn't fellow lightweight stars Ryan Garcia, Gervonta Davis or Teofimo Lopez, "The Dream" understands that Linares is by far the biggest name on his resume.
“I’m very excited to be making my third world title defense against a great fighter like Jorge Linares, who will be the best fighter I will have ever faced in my career,” said Haney in a press release. “He’s a three-division world champion who has fought at the championship level for the past thirteen years.
“I grew up watching Linares and the fact that this fight is happening in Las Vegas is incredible. Boxing fans around the world are eager to see me step up in competition which is great, and I know Linares is coming to fight. I’m ready to give the fans a spectacular performance. The better competition brings the best out of me. Against Linares, I’m going to show the world why I’m the king of the lightweight division.”