Lightweight sensation Devin Haney returns for the third time in 2019 with his second consecutive headlining affair when he takes on Zaur Abdullaev in a WBC final eliminator on Friday, Sept. 13.
The winner puts himself in position to face the winner of the Aug. 31 WBC title fight between Vasiliy Lomachenko and Luke Campbell.
Also on the card, which will be at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden and shown live on DAZN, unified super bantamweight champion Daniel Roman defends his IBF and WBA titles against Murodjon Akhmadaliev. The card also features a significant bout in women's boxing, as Heather Hardy puts her WBO featherweight belt on the line against Amanda Serrano.
Haney (22-0, 14 KOs) is coming off a knockout of the year candidate, pulverizing Antonio Moran in the seventh round. The 20-year-old is looking to make a splash in the No. 1 media market in the United States.
“It always feels good when I get the official date,” Haney said in a press release. “I stay in the gym because I’m a dog and I love to fight. I want the world to see me rise to my competition. The better they are, the better I am. I’m fighting an undefeated fighter at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.
“New York fans are some of the most loyal fans in sports, and I’m looking forward to really putting on a show for them. Abdullaev likes to apply pressure, and I expect nothing less on September 13. I’ve seen him fight and he’s a hungry fighter, there’s no doubt he is my toughest opponent to date.
"This fight is one step away from a world title fight, so we both have a lot on the line."
Abdullaev (11-0, 7 KOs) competes for the first time in the U.S.; all of his previous fights have taken place in his native Russia. He knows the hype surrounding Haney and plans on crashing the party in the Big Apple.
“I’m delighted that the fight is happening,” Abdullaev said. “I was panicking when I saw some posts from Haney on social media that nobody wants to fight him at 135 pounds, and he might have to move up in weight. I kept biting my nails and really wanted to get engaged but been told to stay patient. Allah the gracious has delivered this fight and now it's reality.
“I am a bit disappointed that the fight won't be at Haney's Las Vegas back yard as it would have been great to dethrone him in front of his home crowd, but New York is a great boxing city. I’m not silly, and I do understand that I’m coming as an underdog, but on September 13, I’m coming to crash the hype against all odds.”
Roman (27-2-1, 10 KOs) will step in the ring for the third time in 11 months. "The Baby Faced Assassin" looks to repeat his stellar performance from one of the best fights of the year, beating TJ Doheny by majority decision to gain the IBF strap to add to his WBA belt.
“As a unified champion, I understand that I have a target on my back," Roman said. "That’s why I’ve been in the gym, staying sharp like I always do. There’s no time to relax and look back at what I’ve done because my work isn’t finished.”