Devin Haney became a world lightweight champion in about as dominant fashion as possible in September.
Now, the 20-year-old has another career first, as he'll defend his WBC world lightweight title for the first time against Alfredo Santiago on the KSI-Logan Paul II card Nov. 9 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, live on DAZN.
Haney (23-0, 15 KOs), who made Zaur Abdullaev retire after four rounds in September, can't wait.
"I’m happy we got this deal done,” Haney said in a press release statement. “I’m not just a WBC World Champion that’s holding somebody else’s belt. I’m the sole champion, and I will defend the Lightweight World title on November 9. I’ve been working hard and I’m extremely focused. This will be the perfect gift to myself for my 21st birthday."
That being said, Santiago, an unbeaten Dominican talent, turns 25 the day after the fight and will be looking to gift himself as well.
Haney promises his first title defense will be just as special as his championship win.
“All the fans at Staples Center and the millions watching on DAZN, are going to witness another dominant performance," he continued. "I’m going to continue to show the world that I’m the best in my division. Alfredo Santiago is my next opponent; he’s undefeated, he’s hungry, and he’s coming to win. I take every fight very serious and this fight is no different. Tune in next Saturday and you’ll see that the hype is real.”