By Norm Frauenheim –

Ryan Garcia, the actor, chugged like it was last call at a crowded bar before stepping onto a scale at a weigh-in before his dramatic upset of Devin Haney.

It’s not clear what was in the brown bottle. Could have been beer. Could have been air. Garcia later said it was apple juice

By now, of course, we know that Garcia says a lot of things. To wit: He also said he drank, fully fermented and aged, throughout training camp. Only Haney suffered the hangover.

It doesn’t matter. The bottle was a prop. So was the scale.

The weigh-in was a show.

A sham, too.

It was one of those so-called “ceremonial” weigh-ins. It’s not clear how they became ceremonial.

Nothing about a weigh-in resembles a graduation, or a wedding, or an anniversary. Those are holidays, celebrations. But there’s nothing to celebrate in scripted weigh-ins, staged hours after the real thing happens behind closed doors on the morning the day before opening bell the following night.

Increasingly, however, the staged weigh-in is becoming part of the process before major fights.

Early on, it looked as if it was a way for commissions to do their work away from crowds and chaos interfering with regulatory procedure.

The staged version later in the afternoon, open to the public, retained the theatrics, including the face-to-face stare down for the cameras. That sells tickets and pay-per-view. It keeps the promoters, networks and book keepers happy.

More and more, however, the process has been manipulated in ways that rob fans of transparency.

When the morning weigh-ins were first introduced a couple of years ago, media were notified and often able to witness them.

But, now, they’re closed and seldom announced, leaving reporters to get the weights through sources who were there.

Meanwhile, many fans are just discovering that there’s nothing real about what they’re seeing in the afternoon.

There was some surprise among many that the live-streamed weigh-in for Garcia-Haney was fake, perhaps as phony as whatever was in that bottle Garcia brought to the stage.

It was announced that Garcia was 3.2 pounds heavier than the 140 mandatory. In fact, we only know that he was 3.2 too heavy five-to-six hours earlier.

No telling how much heavier he was at the staged weigh-in. Then, he was announced to be at 143.2, give or take a bottle. But that was just part of the show.

It’s fair to say he already had begun to put on pounds. He blew off making weight intentionally. That was part of the game plan.

The World Boxing Council belt didn’t matter. Only the victory did, which might have been worth $50 million for him.

That’s the number Garcia posted on social media this week. He also posted $35 million for Haney. He didn’t provide any proof, 180 or otherwise.

Haney, too, blew up in weight. He always has. But the weight – 10, 15 maybe 20 additional pounds — has always been speculation.

Weight at opening bell for Garcia and Haney for last Saturday’s fight in New York are closely-held secrets and will continue to be.

On any scale, however, it’s dangerous business. A radical overnight loss and gain in weight isn’t exactly a health plan.

Yet, it’s a tactic, a way to augment power, and a rehydrated Garcia had plenty of that in his three-knockdown scorecard victory.

Rehydration is more than a contract clause. Increasingly, It’s a weapon for any fighter in divisions other than heavyweight. A rehydrated fighter is a better fighter. That’s a theory, subject to time and physical differences.  But by how much? Plug in your guesstimate here.

Yet, it clearly worked for Garcia, and it has increasingly become an ominous practice, one that erodes the credibility of victories and creates the potential for dangerous mismatches.

The ceremonial weigh-in, five to six hours after the real one, has only provided more time to rehydrate. It’s an enabler.

From this corner, there’s only one real solution: Go back to weigh-ins on the day of the fight.

That one, however, is not realistic, at least not now. There have been too many years of weigh-ins with all of the trash talk, threats and face-to-face drama. They are a well-rehearsed ritual, as fundamental to the scarred business as a cheap shot.

Now, however, fighters — always in search of an edge — have a few more hours to gain one. Or several.

But there is a way to limit that edge. Eliminate the ceremonial, which Ryan Garcia celebrated with a powerful shot of mockery.

BROOKLYN, NY–Ryan Garcia scored the biggest win of his career as he sent Devin Haney to the canvas three times en-route to a 12-round split decision at Barclays Center.

Round one saw Garcia get off to a fast start as he landed some hard left hooks and backed Haney up. One particular left hook buckled Haney. Haney had a solid round three as he was good with the jab and landed a left hook that sent Garcia back.

The fight turned in round seven when Garcia landed a left hook that deposited Haney on the canvas. Garcia was deduced a point for hitting on the break. Garcia was relentless and hurt Haney several more times in what was a tumultuous round for Haney. In round 10, Garcia dropped Haney for a second time when he lanced a perfect three punch combination in the corner. Later in the round, Garcia hurt Haney again with a perfect left hook to the head. Garcia dropped Haney for a third time with another perfect left hook to the chin.

Garcia landed 106 of 285 punches. Haney was 87 of 214.

Garcia, 143.4 lbs of Victorville, CA won by scores of 115-109 and 114-110. Once card was even at 112-112.

Garcia is now 25-1. Haney, 140 lbs of Las Vegas is 31-1.

“I shouldn’t have put too much pressure on myself to stop him, because every time I hurt him, I went crazy and I couldn’t stop him,” said Ryan Garcia. “I think the ref should’ve stopped the fight. He (Haney) was really hurt. I felt bad, I even looked at Bill to stop the fight. [Regarding the point being deducted in seventh round] The guy was holding me for dear life, and I felt the opportunity to keep swinging while my hands were free. I should’ve knocked him out that seventh round. They stole that from me. I’m surprised he has so much heart and recovery. He got wobbled bad in the first round. I thought it was over. He even hurt me with a hook. At the end of the day, I’m going to fight him, win or lose.” 

“Ryan just shocked the world and proved once and for all that he is the face of boxing and a pound-for-pound athlete in our sport,” said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman Oscar De La Hoya. “Despite all of the talk from armchair psychologists and so-called boxing pundits, Ryan clearly had a plan and executed it.” 

Barboza Decisions McComb

Arnold Barboza Jr. remained undefeated with a 10-round split decision over Sean McComb in a super lightweight bout.

Barboza landed 99 of 443 punches. McComb was 107 of 488.

Barboza, 139.4 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 96-94 and 97-93 while McComb took a card 98-92.

Barboza is now 30-0. McComb, 139.4 lbs of Belfast, IRE is 19-2.

“I felt good. It was a very tricky fight,” said Arnold Barboza Jr., “He was a lefty, tall and he moved a lot. He gave me a lot of trouble, but it was a learning experience. I’ll be back better. We’re going to talk to Oscar and see what’s next.” 

Melikuziev wins Technical Decision over Dibombe

Bektemir Melikuziev won a technical decision over previously undefeated Pierre Dimbombe when cuts from both fighters forced a stoppage.

In round two, Dibombe was cut badly over his right eye from an accidental headbutt. In round five, Melikuziev dropped Dibombe with a straight left. Later in the round , another headbutt caused a nasty cut on Melikeziev’s left eyelid.

The bout was stopped in round eight due to the cut on Dibombe’s right eye.

Melikuziev was 80 of 276 punches. Dibombe was 58 if 237.

Melikuziev, 167.8 lbs of Uzbekistan won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 and is now 14-1. Dibombe, 166.6 lbs of Nantes, FRA is 22-1-1.

“He was a good opponent. Unfortunately, the fight was stopped,” said Bektemir Melikuziev. “During the fight he kept coming forward with his head. There was nothing I could do. I just needed another minute or two in the ring to finish the fight. I slowed down a bit because I felt that my opponent was getting tired.” 

Daniel Jimenez Decisions John Ramirez

Daniel Jimenez upset John Ramirez via 12-round unanimous decision in a super flyweight bout.

In round 12, Ramirez was bleeding over his right eye.

Jimenez landed 191 of 722 pages. Ramirez was 142 of 531.

Jimenez, 114.8 lbs of Catagro, CR won by scores of 117-111 twice and 116-112 and is now 16-1. Ramirez, 114.2 lbs was ranked number-one by the WBA and had a title shot lined up for later in the summer, but that seems to have gone by the wayside and is now 13-1.

“I am very happy to become a champion again. I want to thank Golden Boy for the opportunity,” said David Jimenez. “I am ready to plan for what’s next. I felt great in the ring, and I felt like I was controlling the fight from the second round. Scrappy has a good punch and is a good boxer. Like all fighters, I want to become undisputed.”

Conwell Stops Gallimore in 6

World-Ranked Charles Conwell stopped Nathaniel Gallimore in round six of scheduled 10-round super welterweight bout.

In round five, Conwell opened up a huge flurry that backed Gallimore up. Conwell continued to batter Gallimore until the fight was stopped at 56 seconds.

Conwell, 153 lbs of Cleveland is 19-0 with 14 knockouts. Gallimore, 153 lbs of Des Plaines, IL is 22-8-1.

“I feel good,” said Charles Conwell. “It was the coming back party. I thought he was a tough-game fighter. He came with a lot of experience, but I did what no other fighter has done. I stopped him in the sixth round. I don’t think any other fighter has beat him as bad as I did. He was a tough fighter and I appreciate him for taking the fight. We’re looking to get back in the ring asap, sometime in July or August. I’m back in the gym getting better. The ring rust is off. We’re ready for what’s next.” 

Former three-time world title challenger Sergiy Dereyvyanchenko won a 10-round unanimous decision over Vaughn Alexander in a super middleweight bout.

Derevyancenko dropped Alexander with a body shot in round eight.

Derevyanchenko, 167.4 lbs of Brooklyn won by scores of 100-89 on all cards and is now 15-5. Alexander, 167.4 lbs of Saint Louis is 18-11-1.

Darius Fulgham stopped Cristian Olivas in round four of a scheduled eight-round super middleweight fight.

The time of the stoppage was 50 seconds of round four for Fulgham, 167.4 lbs of Houston, TX is 11-0 with 10 knockouts. Olivas,

Jonathan Canas won a four-round unanimous decision over Markus Bowes in a super lightweight bout.

Canas, 137.6 lbs of Santa Ana, CA won by 40-36 sores on all cards and is now 4-0. Bowes, 140 lbs of Roxboro, NC is 2-6.

Amari Jones stopped Armei Mbumba-Yassa om round six of a scheduled eight-round super lightweight bout.

Jones dropped Mbumna-Yassa in rounds one and six. Jones ended the fight with a flurry and the bout was stopped at 39 seconds.

Jones, 159.2 lbs of Las Vegas is 12-0 with 11 knockouts. Mbumba-Yassa, 160.4 lbs Remscheild, GER is 10-2.

Kevin Newman II scored a fourth round stoppage over Eric Robles in a scheduled eight-round cruiserweight bout.

Newman dropped Robles in round four and the bout was stopped at 1:53.

Newman, 173.4 lbs of Las Vegas is now 16-3-1. Robles, 177.8 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 9-4.

Pedro Bogarro drooped Shamar Canal in the second round en-route to a six-round unanimous decision in a super lightweight bout.

Bogaro, 135.8 lbs of Sonora, MEX won by scores of 60-53 on all cards ans is now 8-1. Canal. 135 lbs of Albany, NY is 7-1.

By Norm Frauenheim –

It was a moment that summed up a fight that is interesting, even intriguing for reasons still hard to read.

Ryan Garcia threw away a book.

It was a response to a mocking gesture, a paper-back from Bill Haney.

The title: Psychology For Dummies.

Garcia flung it into an audience full of dummies at the final news conference for the contentious Devin Haney-Garcia fight Saturday (DAZN, 5 pm PT/8 pm ET) at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.

Garcia, who was wearing what looked to be a flak jacket throughout the live-streamed newser, didn’t smile. It’s safe to say he didn’t get the joke.

There haven’t been a whole lot of laughs throughout the build-up before the bout for Haney’s junior-welterweight title.

Garcia has been throwing away a lot of proverbial books in an erratic path to opening bell. The book on trash-talk-at-its-best is to do it with a wink and a clever smile.

Bill Haney, Devin’s father and trainer, might have had that in mind when he arrived at the podium and delivered the sly punch-line, perhaps as a way to take off some of the anger on the fight’s sharpening edge

But it looked as if Garcia didn’t get the message. He still looked angry, a fighter fighting himself with a look he’s had throughout a bizarre succession of taunts, threats and temper tantrums posted on social media.

There’s no shortage of opinions about what he’s doing. From crazy to calculated, everybody has one, including this corner. We’re all dummies. Maybe, that’s why Garcia tossed that book into the crowd. Only he knows.

“Something is wrong with this m-effer,’’ Haney said Thursday at the end of the newser, which did not include the traditional face-to-face ritual for the cameras.

But Haney, whose eyes were hidden by sunglasses throughout, couldn’t say exactly what was wrong. Maybe, his dad should have given his son a copy of that book, too.

The prevailing diagnosis is that Garcia’s wild, often dark rants are in fact a tactic – his way of confusing and angering Haney so much that he’ll make mistakes –leave himself open for a big left hand — in a foolish pursuit of an early stoppage.

By when has Haney ever fought that way? At 25, he’s already known as cerebral. The book on Haney is that he’s guided by poise and discipline.

There was a sign, perhaps, that Garcia was getting to him earlier this week when both faced off for the media at the top of the Empire State Building. Haney appeared to reach for Garcia’s throat. Then, he shoved him.

But Haney did the same thing against the accomplished Vasiliy Lomachenko at the weigh-in before their fight last May in Las Vegas. He nearly shoved Lomachenko off the stage.

The next night, Haney’s poise prevailed in scoring a unanimous decision over the skilled Ukrainian. The scorecards were debatable. But Haney’s discipline was not.

Against Garcia, Haney faces a different dynamic. His hands are fast. The power in his left is lethal. He’s explosive. But what happens if Haney’s disciplined defense eludes his early assaults? What does Garcia do next? More anger won’t get it done.

Garcia’s posts have been condemned and countered, evaluated and analyzed. You see the anger, but no patience.

Whatever the conclusions, it’s beginning to look as if Garcia is performing for his social media universe, a place never known for patience or accountability.

Only Gallup can count the number of Garcia followers. They’re hard to ignore, especially for any promoter. But they’re even harder to control. Garcia used to run them, but increasingly it looks as if things have switched. They’re running him, demanding more and more, all in the blink of virtual time.

“Social media and reality are two different things,’’ Garcia promoter Oscar De La Hoya said in a DAZN interview before Garcia and Haney arrived for Thursday’s newser.

They are, or at least they should be.

But the reality is also this: Without some newfound patience in Garcia, Haney will teach him that social media is not a skill set.

BROOKLYN, NY (April 18, 2024): Former undisputed lightweight champion and current WBC Super Lightweight Champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) and super lightweight world title contender and international PPV star “King” Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) hosted a press conference at Barclays Center in Brooklyn to promote their 12-round super lightweight world championship clash. In addition, they were joined by the televised PPV undercard.

In chief support undefeated, top super lightweight world title contender Arnold Barboza Jr. (29-0, 11 KOs) of El Monte, Calif. will fight for a 10-round WBO Intercontinental Super Lightweight Title against Belfast, Ireland’s Sean “The Public Nuisance” McComb (18-1, 5 KOs).

Also on the DAZN PPV telecast, Bektemir “Bek” Melikuziev (13-1, 10 KOs) of Sholmbek, Uzbekistan will defend his WBA Intercontinental Super Middleweight Title in a 10-round fight against Pierre Dibombe (22-0-1, 12 KOs) of Nantes, France. In a fight for the WBA Interim Super Flyweight World Championship, John “Scrappy” Ramirez (13-0, 9 KOs) will challenge Cartago, Costa Rica’s David “Medallita” Jimenez (15-1, 11 KOs).

Opening the DAZN PPV, former Team USA member and No.1-WBC ranked Charles “Bad News” Conwell (18-0, 13 KOs) will make his Golden Boy debut after being formally signed this past February. He will battle it out against Nathaniel Gallimore (22-7-1, 17 KOs) of Des Plaines, Illinois in a 10-round super welterweight contest.

Haney vs. Garcia is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Haney Promotions, KingRy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing. The mega-event will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, April 20, exclusively live on DAZN PPV.

DEVIN “THE DREAM” HANEY, WBC SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:
“The time is very close. It’s been a long time coming. The talking is almost done. This not an easy fight but it’s a fight that ill make look easy. I have tunnel vision and all his antics will betray him com Saturday night.”

“KING” RYAN GARCIA, SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER:
“I have said everything. I don’t know what else I can add. What do you want me to do? I’ve already done it all and now I’m just ready to kick ass in the ring. I’m on fire. I’m strong.”

ARNOLD BARBOZA, JR., SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER:
“I want to thank Oscar, Bernard and the whole Golden Boy team for putting on a great show. For doing the promoting, doing all the hard work. Next is for me. I’m excited for the opportunity to be on the card. The biggest card of the year. I think all eyes are going to be on me for our fight. Since I was 5 and a half years old just a kid from El Monte. I have a saying. I’m forever grateful but never satisfied. I want it to say instead of Haney vs. Garcia to say Barboza vs. Everybody.”

BEKTEMIR “BEK” MELIKUZIEV, WBA INTERCONTINENTAL TITLEHOLDER:
“Hello everyone. Thank you so much for being here. I want to thank Oscar for this opportunity, thank Bernard for this opportunity and it’s a huge show. I’m glad to be a part of it and you know when I’m in the ring it’s Bully Time. Let’s go Saturday!”

JOHN “SCRAPPY” RAMIREZ, FLYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE CONTENDER:
“That’s when opportunity meets preparation. I have been boxing for 7 years. My main mission was to become a world champion. I didn’t care about the amateurs. I had to do it and I did it. But no, I’m here. I’ve been consistent and persistent chasing the dream. I sacrificed a lot. I haven’t cut corners; I’ve been disciplined, and this is the life that I chose.”

CHARLES “BAD NEWS” CONWELL, SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER:
I’m excited. I’m back in the ring after a long layoff. I prepared very and someone has to pay for that. I’m just excited to be here and let’s make it happen.

#

Haney vs. Garcia is a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship that is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Haney Promotions, KingRy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing. The event will take place on Saturday, April 20 on DAZN PPV live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Magna Media will be handling credentials for this fight. Media interested in applying for a fight night credential must fill out an application by EOD Friday, April 5, 2024. Link to application can be found at https://bit.ly/HaneyGarciaFightNightCreds.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #HaneyGarcia

Hall of Fame broadcaster Jim Lampley will once again be co-hosting his popular and exclusive live viewer chat, in real time, during PPV.COM‘s live stream of next Saturday’s, April 20 (8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT) world championship boxing event headlined by the Devin Haney – Ryan Garcia WBC super lightweight world title fight.  The crystal-clear HD live stream, available to viewers in the U.S. and Canada, priced at $79.99, can be ordered by clicking here PPV.COM | Haney vs. Garcia.  Jim will also be providing fight week commentary and reports from Brooklyn forPPV.COM‘s website and platforms. Below, is his analysis of Haney vs. Garcia.  PPV.COM does not require a subscription.

JIM LAMPLEY’S HANEY vs. GARCIA PREVIEW ANALYSIS

“In the last four and a half years Devin Haney achieved dominant control of boxing’s 135-pound weight level, en route to becoming the undisputed World Lightweight Champion, with an impressive series of performances, in clear victories, over Yuriorkis Gamboa, Jorge Linares, Joseph Diaz, George Kambosos (twice) and Vasyl Lomachenko.  Every single one of those opponents can, through one filter or another, be seen to have a more meaningful background in the ring than Ryan Garcia, especially Lomachenko, who as both an amateur and a pro, was one of the landmark boxing craft talents of the past few decades.  In comparison to Garcia, Haney has the more stable lifestyle, the far more impressive boxing resume, the greater proven focus, and the more visible motivation to work hard toward a lofty goal. 

“Ryan Garcia?  He is the livelier and more exotic social media figure, has the prettier face, and may possibly possess more one-punch power, particularly with his left hook.  Since the time when these two split six amateur fights 3-3, Haney, who last December moved up in weight to dethrone WBC super lightweight champion Regis Prograis, has gotten steadily better and steadily more focused, and Garcia has amassed huge numbers of social media followers and raised logical questions regarding his level of mental health.  What else do you need to know?  The logical choice is Haney by quality unanimous decision.  It won’t be at all shocking if Haney wins 10, 11 or all 12 rounds.  It WILL be shocking, to this observer, if Haney finds a way to lose.”     

***************************

JIM LAMPLEY

Jim is a recipient of the Boxing Writers Association of America’s (BWAA) Sam Taub Award for Excellence in Broadcasting Journalism and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in its 2015 class.  He served as anchor and commentator for “HBO World Championship Boxing” for 30 years and has covered numerous Olympic Games during his long and distinguished career in sports broadcasting.      

About iNDEMAND and PPV.COM

iNDEMAND is an innovative partnership among three of the leading cable companies in the U.S.– Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, and Cox Communications. iNDEMAND is a company of trusted content aggregators and licensing experts, with unparalleled technical expertise and long-standing relationships with MVPDs, major sports leagues, Hollywood studios, and other entertainment and sports companies across North America. iNDEMAND delivers great content to more than 60 million cable homes and has distribution deals with more than 90 companies.  In December 2021, iNDEMAND launched PPV.COM, an innovative streaming PPV service and the first of its kind to offer interactive fan engagement during live-action sports.  With the addition of PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, to its existing cable PPV infrastructure, iNDEMAND has consolidated all forms of PPV distribution under one roof, making the company the only provider of turn-key PPV solutions for both industry partners and consumers.  For more information, go to indemand.com.

By Norm Frauenheim –

It’s hard to keep track of Ryan Garcia. A fighter, often called one-dimensional within the ropes, is a personality with multiple dimensions outside of them.

From crazy to common sense, there’s no end to Garcia’s many roles. He’s got more of them than he’s had trainers.

One day, funny.

One day, frightening.

Maybe it’s schtick. Maybe, it’s strategy. Maybe, it’s social media.

In a sport built on feints, however, it could just be boxing’s familiar pre-fight plot — a mix of taunts, trash talk and threats.

Psychology-followed-by-a-punch has always been the game’s best combo.

If Garcia can distract Devin Haney with shifting rhetoric before opening bell for their compelling junior-welterweight fight on April 20, maybe he can land that big left hand after it begins.

The latest version of Garcia, perhaps at his mercurial best, showed up Tuesday at a media workout in Dallas, looking and sounding a lot different than the weary and distracted Garcia who appeared at a disturbing news conference in Los Angeles in late February.

Then, Garcia arrived at the newser on a horse. After it was over, there were bets that the horse had a better chance at making it to the ring at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center than Garcia did.

For the next several days, there were dark social-media posts that suggested Garcia needed a clinical psychologist more than a ringside physician.

In one, he’s smoking a joint. In another, he finishes off a bottle of wine, talks about the devil and angrily tells his population of followers that he’s only doing what they do.

Then, it sounded as though the fight within himself was a lot more dangerous than a fight with Haney ever could be.

But on Tuesday we saw a composed, focused Garcia, seemingly ready to fight. He ended opening remarks in a DAZN interview with a pointed message for the favored Haney and his father/trainer, Bill Haney.

“You thought I wasn’t going to make it to the fight,’’ he said. “I bet that you hoped I got pulled out. I bet that you hoped it was some kind of mental-health issue.

“But guess what? I’m right here, I’m right here. I’m going to see you in about a week-and-a-half, and I’m going to knock you the eff out in front of the world.’’

Just another line from an accomplished actor? Or a fighter poised to deliver on a promise in what would be a defining confirmation of evident boxing potential?

Against Haney, Garcia can answer both.

Be both, actor and fighter.

NOTES

-RIP, Gary Shaw: Boxing lost one of its true characters, former regulator and promoter Gary Shaw. He died at 79. He promoted Timothy Bradley, Shane Mosley, Winky Wright and Diego Corrales.

He put together the 2005 classic between Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo, perhaps the best bout in boxing’s modern era.

“I was sad to learn today about the passing of Gary Shaw,’’ Hall of Fame promoter Don King said through a publicist. “Gary’s contributions to the world of boxing were immense, and his passion for the sport was truly inspiring.

“He will be remembered not only for his expertise as a promoter but also for his dedication to the athletes he represented.

“Gary was always a stand-up guy who kept his word, and his spirit will live on. I loved him and we are going to miss him. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family.”

-Oscar Valdez, title favorite: Odds are that Oscar Valdez Jr. will have another belt before spring turns into summer.

The odds are about 5-1, the betting number attached to Emanuel Navarrete’s chances at beating Denys Berinchyk for a vacant World Boxing Organization lightweight title on May 18 in San Diego.

Navarrete, who is pursuing a fourth division title, is expected to relinquish the WBO’s junior-lightweight belt if he wins. Then, the acronym is expected to make Valdez its 130-pound champ. Valdez is coming off an impressive stoppage of Aussie Liam Wilson for an interim 130-pound title March 29 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale AZ.

NEW YORK (April 9, 2024) — PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, returns to the ring when it live streams to boxing fans, in the U.S. and Canada, an action-packed  five-bout card, featuring the highly anticipated 12-round super lightweight world title tilt between undefeated WBC super lightweight world champion Devon “The Dream” Haney (31-0, 15 KOs), from Las Vegas, Nevada, and the internationally popular “King Ry” Ryan  Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs), from Los Angeles, Saturday, April 20, beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Haney and Garcia, who were 3-3 against each other in the amateurs, will finally get their “Game 7” to not only settle a score but to determine the top dog in their heated rivalry.  The Haney-Garcia world championship event will emanate live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.  Priced at $79.99, it can be ordered by clicking here PPV.COM | Haney vs. Garcia.  

 “Haney versus Garcia is a fight which will turn out to have been competition — if ‘King Ry’ is actually more real than his legions of critics want to believe — or cosmetic, if in fact his critics are on target,” said Hall of Fame broadcaster Jim Lampley, who will be co-hosting the exclusive viewer chat, in real time, during the PPV.COM Haney-Garcia world championship event live stream.  “Haney’s conquest of the great Vasyl Lomachenko is sufficient to prove his skill level.  Ryan’s skills have so far been more evident on social media.  But it might only take one on-target left hook to upend the odds, and that’s what Garcia must hunt for.”       

Joining Lampley on the live viewer chat will be award-winning journalist Lance Pugmire, and “Inside Boxing Live” podcast hosts Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri.  They will also be providing exclusive fight week commentary and reports from Brooklyn for PPV.COM‘s website and social platforms.

Canobbioand Algieri have moved their popular Inside Boxing Livepodcast to PPV.COM, where they produce two fresh episodes weekly, provide onsite coverage during major pay-per-view fight weeks, host their own weekly live chat every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, and join fight night live viewer chats.  For the latest episodes of Inside Boxing Live presented by PPV.COM, click hereInside Boxing Live – YouTube.

PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, will offer Haney vs. Garcia to viewers in the U.S. and Canada.  iNDEMAND, the parent company of PPV.COM, will also be carrying the event through its network of cable and telco operators in the U.S. and Canada via providers including: Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Optimum, Fios, Rogers, Bell, SaskTel, and Telus, among others.

JIM LAMPLEY

Jim is a recipient of the Boxing Writers Association of America’s (BWAA) Sam Taub Award for Excellence in Broadcasting Journalism and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in its 2015 class.  He served as anchor and commentator for “HBO World Championship Boxing” for 30 years and has covered numerous Olympic Games during his long and distinguished career in sports broadcasting.      

LANCE PUGMIRE

Lance is a recipient of the Nat Fleischer Award for Excellence in Boxing Journalism, the BWAA’s highest honor.  He brings over 30 years of experience covering the sweet science for the Los Angeles Times, The Athletic, and USA Today.  He currently serves as senior U.S. writer for BoxingScene.com.

About iNDEMAND and PPV.COM

iNDEMAND is an innovative partnership among three of the leading cable companies in the U.S.– Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, and Cox Communications. iNDEMAND is a company of trusted content aggregators and licensing experts, with unparalleled technical expertise and long-standing relationships with MVPDs, major sports leagues, Hollywood studios, and other entertainment and sports companies across North America. iNDEMAND delivers great content to more than 60 million cable homes and has distribution deals with more than 90 companies.  In December 2021, iNDEMAND launched PPV.COM, an innovative streaming PPV service and the first of its kind to offer interactive fan engagement during live-action sports.  With the addition of PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, to its existing cable PPV infrastructure, iNDEMAND has consolidated all forms of PPV distribution under one roof, making the company the only provider of turn-key PPV solutions for both industry partners and consumers.  For more information, go to indemand.com.

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (April 5, 2024): Former undisputed lightweight champion and current WBC Super Lightweight Champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) hosted a Los Angeles Media Workout to promote his upcoming title defense against “King” Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs). The fight night is presented in association with Haney Promotions, KingRy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing. The mega-event will take place on Saturday, April 20, exclusively live on DAZN around the world and DAZN PPV in the US.
DEVIN HANEY, CURRENT WBC SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:
“Camp has been amazing. I’m in the zone – always. I’m obviously getting more adjusted to this new weight class – I am getting stronger, my mind is clear, I’m in the best shape physically, and I am just ready to go.”

“Not having to go down the extra five pounds has been a tremendous help for me. I had been at 135 for a long time. At 140, it just feels so different. My performance against Regis Prograis showed that.”

“At the end of the day, Ryan Garcia is going to say what he is going to say. No matter what, I am going to do my job to be the very best Devin Haney I can be. Whichever version of Ryan shows up on April 20, I will be ready for him. Ryan Garcia is just another opponent to me. I am in competition with greatness. That is why I train so hard, that is why I stay so disciplined.”

#

Haney vs. Garcia is a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship that is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Haney Promotions, KingRy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing. The event will take place on Saturday, April 20 on DAZN PPV live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Magna Media will be handling credentials for this fight. Media interested in applying for a fight night credential must fill out an application by EOD Friday, April 5, 2024. Link to application can be found at https://bit.ly/HaneyGarciaFightNightCreds.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #HaneyGarcia

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (April 3, 2023) – Golden Boy has assembled a loaded lineup for the televised Haney vs. Garcia PPV undercard with boxing’s rising world title contenders. The main event features a bad-blood rivalry between undefeated, former undisputed lightweight champion and current WBC Super Lightweight Champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) who will defend his title against international PPV star and world title contender “King” Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs). The 12-round fight is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Haney Promotions, KingRy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing. The mega-event will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, April 20, exclusively live worldwide on DAZN PPV.

In chief support undefeated, top 8 super lightweight world title contender Arnold Barboza Jr. (29-0, 11 KOs) of El Monte, Calif. will fight for the WBO Intercontinental Title against Belfast, Ireland’s Sean “The Public Nuisance” McComb (18-1, 5 KOs). Barboza Jr. is coming off of an eighth-round knockout victory last January 2024 against Xolisani Ndongeni. The 10-round super lightweight fight will be the U.S. debut of the “Public Nuisance” who was last seen securing his WBO European Super Lightweight Title.

“Every training session and every trial and tribulation has paved the path for this moment,” said Arnold Barboza Jr. “I train like the challenger that I am but I fight like the Champion that I will become. Tune in April 20th on DAZN.”

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time, and now it’s here, I plan to grab it with both hands.” said Sean McComb. “Arnold is a great fighter – but so am I. It’s going to be a great fight. Thanks to Golden boy and my manager Lee Eaton for making it happen. April 20th I promise you’ll see the upset!”

Also on the DAZN PPV telecast, Bektemir “Bek” Melikuziev (13-1, 10 KOs) of Sholmbek, Uzbekistan will defend his WBA Intercontinental Super Middleweight Title in a 10-round fight against Pierre Dibombe (22-0-1, 12 KOs) of Nantes, France. Melikuziev destroyed Alantez Fox via stoppage last October, and is ranked the No.10 super middleweight in the world on ESPN’s divisional rankings.

In a fight for the WBA Interim Super Flyweight World Championship, John “Scrappy” Ramirez (13-0, 9 KOs) will challenge Cartago, Costa Rica’s David “Medallita” Jimenez (15-1, 11 KOs). Ramirez is walking into the 12-round combat with confidence after demolishing Ronal Batista last October 2023. Despite an unconventional start in boxing, the undefeated Scrappy Ramirez has had a successful cruise to the top of the rankings defeating top title contenders.

Opening the DAZN PPV, former Team USA member and No.1-WBC ranked Charles “Bad News” Conwell (18-0, 13 KOs) will make his Golden Boy debut after being formally signed this past February. He will battle it out against Nathaniel Gallimore (22-7-1, 17 KOs) of Des Plaines, Illinois in a 10-round super welterweight contest. The undefeated “Bad News” has held several regional titles since his debut in professional boxing in 2017, including the IBF USBA title and the WBC USNBC title.

This blockbuster night of boxing will be available worldwide on DAZN PPV. For more info please visit www.dazn.com.

#

Haney vs. Garcia is a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship that is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Haney Promotions, KingRy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing. The event will take place on Saturday, April 20 on DAZN PPV live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Magna Media will be handling credentials for this fight. Media interested in applying for a fight night credential must fill out an application by EOD Friday, April 5, 2024. Link to application can be found at https://bit.ly/HaneyGarciaFightNightCreds.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #HaneyGarcia

Las Vegas (April 2, 2024) – The Former Undisputed Lightweight Champion and current WBC Super Lightweight Champion Devin Haney has confirmed that he will appear at the Seventh Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 4, 2024 at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will also coincide with the mega fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Jaime Munguia, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.

Haney will hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at his booth during the fan event held over the Cinco De Mayo weekend. 

The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, Canelo vs. Jacobs and Canelo vs. GGG III. 

Centered in boxing’s longtime home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. http://boxfanexpo.com – @BoxFanExpo

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2024

Haney will make his second appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Haney will also have merchandise to sell for fans to enjoy at his Devin Haney Promotions “DHP” booth. Boxing fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing star also known as the “The Dream”. 

Devin Haney joins Mia St. John, Edgar Berlanga, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Roy Jones Jr., Erik Morales, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Juan Manuel Marquez, Michael Spinks, Claressa Shields and Marco Antonio Barrera as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced.

About Devin Haney

Devin Haney, widely known as “The Dream,” is an accomplished professional boxer with an undefeated record of 31 wins and has emerged as one of the sport’s most exciting and promising talents today. The two-division champion left no doubt when he was elected Sports Illustrated 2023 ‘Fighter of the Year.’ Haney’s style is characterized by a unique blend of speed, agility, and ring intelligence, making him a formidable opponent in the super lightweight division. On December 9, 2023, during his much-anticipated hometown debut at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Haney delivered a masterful performance over Regis Prograis, claiming victory and simultaneously securing his status as a two-division champion in his debut at 140 pounds. Haney’s success extends beyond his defeat over Prograis, as evidenced by his historic achievement on June 5, 2022. At just 23 years old, Haney boldly pursued his dream of becoming an undisputed world champion. In a remarkable feat, he attained the title of the youngest undisputed world champion and the first undisputed lightweight world champion in the modern four-belt era by dethroning then-champion George Kambosos. Haney’s subsequent defense of his undisputed world title, including a successful rematch against Kambosos and a notable victory over 3-division champion Vasiliy Lomachenko, further solidifies his place among boxing’s elite. On the business front, Haney is his own promoter under Devin Haney Promotions, which he runs with his father and BWAA’s 2023 Manager of the Year, Bill Haney, putting him in a unique position to control his legacy and career. Devin Haney is known for his dedication to his community and philanthropic efforts. He actively engages in initiatives that promote youth development and support underprivileged communities, reflecting his commitment to giving back

Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, David Benavidez, Teofimo Lopez, Andre Ward, Ryan Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, Mikey Garcia, Errol Spence Jr, Fernando Vargas, Rolando Romero, Sergio Martinez, Tim Bradley, Jose Ramirez, Shawn Porter, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Floyd Mayweather sr., Claressa Shields, Vinny Paz, Mia St.John, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Seniesa Estrada, Jorge Linares, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Brandon Rios, Anthony Dirrell, Danny Jacobs, and many more.

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the next few weeks leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –

https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2024

To request information on exhibiting and sponsorship at the Expo:

For media credentials:

Contact us:

Telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram at: @BoxFanExpo

Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

By Norm Frauenheim

It was part soap opera. Part outrageous. Often offensive. It was sometimes sad. Sometimes silly.

I’ll let somebody else decide what was real and what was fake. News conferences are always an impossible mix of fact and fiction.

Yet even by boxing’s over-the-top and off-the-rails standard, the Devin Haney-Ryan Garcia spectacle Thursday in Hollywood was bizarre.

Put it this way: It started with Devin Haney as the solid betting favorite for a junior-welterweight fight scheduled for April 20 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. It ended with a lot of people betting that Garcia just won’t show up.

Garcia was a man of many extremes throughout the second step of a coast-to-coast newser.

For a while, he turned it into a confessional. He said he smoked pot and drank alcohol. He said he didn’t use cocaine. He pleaded for some understanding.

“Guess what, we all have our flaws and we all have flaws as people,’’ said Garcia, who hours earlier posted a photo of him smoking what looked to be marijuana. “I’m 25 years old, you’ve got to remember. Sometimes, the weight of the world feels like it’s on my shoulders.

“I don’t know how many people have been 25-years-old and made $100 million in their life and can do what they want. I want to see what you would do in my shoes.

“Probably, a lot more than some weed.”

Then, he got angry, turning a boxing newser into a bully pulpit. He threatened somebody, who apparently doesn’t have much in common with Garcia other than alcohol.

“I’m going to beat the eff out of you,’’ Garcia shouted at a trash talker in the audience.

He was a man of many moods. He’s also a man with many followers, a social-media number that only a census can count. They’re always there, always demanding more from a personality always fearless and always willing to deliver a prayer, or a plea, or a punch. They follow him; he follows them.

Maybe, it was the setting. Like the stage at Hollywood’s Avalon, it was all Theater. That, at least, was the suggestion from many among Golden Boy Promotions. They argue that Garcia knows what he’s doing.

What he did Thursday, they say, was a calculated act, one designed to make Haney think he was in for an easy fight against his former amateur rival.

But after the newser, Haney had only one thought about a fighter he said he once respected.

“He’s not respecting himself,’’ said Haney, who might have summed up the news conference better than anyone.

NOTES

As The World Turns: Latest from Canelo-Benavidez

During a week dominated by Haney-Garcia, there was still some noise from boxing’s long-running saga, which continues to revolve around Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez.

For now, at least, it’s not happening. Not in May and probably not in September, although Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn continued to leave open the possibility of Canelo-Benavidez.

It all depends on Canelo’s next move. Reportedly, he has split with PBC after only one fight – a forgettable victory over Jermell Charlo – after signing a three-fight deal. Depending on the source, the money just wasn’t there to cover Canelo’s $35-million demand for a May fight. PBC said okay, but only if Benavidez was the third fight.

For whatever reason, however, Canelo has never wanted to fight the Phoenix-born Benavidez.

Here’s a theory:

Benavidez is to Canelo what Antonio Margarito was to Floyd Mayweather. Too much risk for the reward. Mayweather looked at the rugged Margarito and probably said to himself: “I’ll beat him, but I might pay a physical price.’’

The wisdom behind that risk-to-reward decision came in Manny Pacquiao’s victory over Margarito. Pacquiao was never quite the same after absorbing a brutal body shot midway through the fight on the Dallas Cowboys home field in November 2010.

It’s safe to say Canelo is confident he can beat Benavidez. At a point in his career when he’s been more vulnerable to injury, however, the risk is too high, especially against a tireless fighter with a gear few have in the later rounds. From the eighth to the 12th, nobody is as dangerous as Benavidez.

Meanwhile, Benavidez has begun training in Miami for a planned light-heavyweight bout against Oleksandr Gvoysk, possibly in June.

In media interviews from Miami, Benavidez said was willing to fight Canelo for $5 million, considered minimum wage for a Canelo opponent.

But Canelo’s minimum would have been at or near Benavidez’ biggest paycheck. It’s not clear what he collected for his decision over Caleb Plant in March 2023 in Vegas. The Nevada Commission no longer discloses purses. But it’s believed that it was a lot closer to $3 million than $5 million.

Oscar Valdez back in AZ in pursuit of another title

Oscar Valdez Jr, wants to knock out the former next to his name in his current resume.

“I’m hungrier than ever, because I’ve already tasted what it is to be a world champion,’’ Valdez said last week during a round of interviews for his March 29 bout versus Liam Wilson at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale AZ, where he lost a punishing decision for a vacant junior-lightweight title to Emanuel Navarrete in August.

Against Wilson, Valdez’ chances at another title will undergo a significant test. It’s a bout that puts the 33-year-old former two-time champion at a career crossroads.

Win, and he’ll be back in contention. Lose, and there’ll be talk of retirement.

Wilson, a 27-year-old Australian, is also returning to Desert Diamond. Wilson lost a controversial fight there to Navarrete in February 2023. In the fourth round, Wilson knocked down Navarrete, who bought himself some time to recover by spitting out his mouthpiece. Navarrete went to win a ninth-round TKO.

Wilson, Valdez said, “almost took that fight, almost won. There’s nothing easy about this fight. But I’m not looking for easy fights, I’m looking for challenges.’’

Olympic boxing needs help, yet says no to Pacquiao

The international Olympic Committee said no to Pacquiao’s petition for eligibility to box at the Paris Games this summer. He’s 45 — five years older than the boxing age limit and three years younger than Bernard Hopkins was when he won a major pro title at 48 in 2013.

He’s also nine years younger than Kelly Slater, who might be surfing’s best-known name since Duke Kahanamoku. At 54, Slater hopes to surf for the US at the 2024 Games.

The denial is just another reason not to watch Olympic boxing. Rhythmic gymnastics draws a bigger audience Pacquiao might be too old to answer an opening bell at any level these days, but he would have been a good ambassador for an endangered Olympic sport.

He might have generated some positive attention. Imagine that. These days, Olympic boxing gets headlines only for lousy decisions and gestures like Mick Conlan’s middle-finger salute to the judges in 2016. Olympic bureaucrats are threatening to eliminate it altogether.

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Feb. 29, 2024) – Tickets for the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship fight between current champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) and international PPV star “King” Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) will kick off tomorrow, Friday, March 1. The 12-round clash is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Haney Promotions, KingRy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing. The mega-event will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, April 20, exclusively live on DAZN PPV.

Tickets go on-sale at 10:00 a.m. ET and start at $100 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoy.com.

#

Haney vs. Garcia is a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship that is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Haney Promotions, KingRy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing. The event will take place on Saturday, April 20 on DAZN PPV live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Magna Media will be handling credentials for this fight. Media interested in applying for a fight night credential must fill out an application by EOD Friday, April 5, 2024. Link to application can be found at https://bit.ly/HaneyGarciaFightNightCreds.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #HaneyGarcia

NEW YORK CITY, NY (February 27, 2024): Former undisputed lightweight champion and current WBC Super Lightweight Champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) and international PPV star “King” Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) hosted a press conference in New York City to promote their 12-round super lightweight world championship clash. The fight is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Haney Promotions, KingRy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing. The mega-event will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, April 20, exclusively live on DAZN PPV.

DEVIN “THE DREAM” HANEY: WBC SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:
“DAZN, they put the bounty up. On April 20th I’m capturing the bounty and we coming home with the victory inshallah.”

“KING” RYAN GARCIA, SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD TITLE CONTENDER:
“When I first came into the game, I just wanted to make a bunch of money and then I did that. But now I want to go for the legacy, I wanna go for the belts and Devin’s in the way. I’m on my vengeance arc. I’m ready to get back in blood in everything so I’m coming straight for his neck. I promise you, I’m coming straight for you, it’s going to be ugly.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY:
“This is the weight class to watch, this is the fight to watch, the best fighting the best. When I started Golden Boy, that was my vision to have the best fight the best and we’re here now today. I’m super excited because when you build a star you must fight in New York.”

If you guys didn’t know they fought 6 times already in the amateur and they’re three and three, so this one does count. This fight here is like they say – for all the marbles – this fight here is to see who the best fighter at 140-pound division.”
BERNARD HOPKINS, PARTNER OF GOLDEN BOY:
“So now that we are here a lot of us gotta be mindful when we ask for something because what you ask for, you might not want when you get it. These two young fighters, these two young men, not kids, gotta understand that to be great you must do great things and fight the best in the division… and that’s what Golden Boy’s set out to do.”
BILL HANEY, MANAGER, DEVIN HANEY PROMOTIONS:
“An assignment that Devin sent me to do was to approach the only human being that’s a Hall of Fame fighter and a Hall of Fame promoter and thats Oscar de la Hoya. I put the honest on him, I said listen when you were when you were Hall of Fame fighter you fought everybody so as a Hall of Fame promoter I put the honest on you that you are now going to make the fight between two guys in their prime just like you did.”

#

Haney vs. Garcia is a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship that is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Haney Promotions, KingRy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing. The event will take place on Saturday, April 20 on DAZN PPV.

The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Magna Media will be handling credentials for this fight. Media interested in applying for a fight night credential must fill out an application by EOD Friday, April 5, 2024. Link to the application can be found at https://bit.ly/HaneyGarciaFightNightCreds.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #HaneyGarcia

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Feb. 23, 2023) – A dangerous rivalry that has been brewing since their days in the amateur boxing scene has finally hit a fever pitch as undefeated, former undisputed lightweight champion and current WBC Super Lightweight Champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) will defend his title against international PPV star “King” Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs). The 12-round fight is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Haney Promotions, KingRy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing. The mega-event will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, April 20, exclusively live on DAZN PPV.

“Facing Ryan Garcia on April 20, 2024, is another step in my pursuit of greatness and cementing my legacy as one of the sport’s greatest champions,” said Devin Haney. “I don’t need to say much. My track record speaks to my ability in the ring to overcome any challenge thrown my way, and rise to the top. I’m committed to giving the fans what they want – the best fights in boxing. I’ve proven time and again that I am a formidable opponent, and it’s my skillset and the belief I have in my team that will ultimately lead me to victory. I’m happy Ryan’s team shares the same excitement in bringing the fans great boxing and we’re ready to bring you the best boxing event of the year in New York at Barclays Center.”

“I’m coming as if I was a roaring lion, coming back for blood,” said super lightweight world title contender Ryan Garcia. “I’m excited to bring another mega fight to boxing, that’s all I intend to do. I will place everything in the Lord’s hand. I pray that Devin comes out healthy and safe, and that everyone is entertained.”

“The Golden Boy mantra is the best fighting the best, and it’s hard to remember a better example of that than when Ryan Garcia and Devon Haney square off on April 20,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Championship gold, bragging rights over a long, intense rivalry and the status as the face of American boxing will all be on the line with no catchweight, rehydration clauses or other nonsense. This is a can’t miss fight that fans can’t afford to miss.”

“We are incredibly excited to be broadcasting this mega fight live on DAZN PPV,” said Jared Kass, SVP North America DAZN. “Devin and Ryan are two next superstars of US boxing but only one can be crowned come final bell on April 20. This stacked night of boxing joins an already packed spring schedule which sees Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou fight March 8, the Undisputed Heavyweight Title between Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk May 18 and countless domestic matchups all live and only on DAZN.”

Devin Haney, widely known as “The Dream,” is an undefeated and accomplished professional boxer with a perfect record of 31 wins and 0 losses who has taken the boxing world by storm. With his lightning-fast hands, exceptional boxing skills, and unyielding determination, Haney has emerged as one of the sport’s most exciting and promising talents today. The two-division champion left no doubt when he was elected Sports Illustrated 2023 ‘Fighter of the Year.’ In a remarkable feat, he has attained the title of the youngest undisputed world champion and the first undisputed lightweight world champion in the modern four-belt era by dethroning then-champion George Kambosos. Haney’s subsequent defense of his undisputed world title, including a successful rematch against Kambosos and a notable victory over 3-division champion Vasiliy Lomachenko, further solidifies his place among boxing’s elite. He was last seen in December 2023 when he dethroned Regis Prograis via unanimous decision win to become the new WBC Super Lightweight Champion.

“King” Ryan Garcia has become one of the biggest names in boxing, and at only 25-years-old has broken into the mainstream. Garcia has proven that he is a supreme, pay-per-view attraction, having generated one of the top 5 best boxing gates in Nevada boxing history. One of the most dynamic and exciting boxers fighting today, his fast-paced style, killer left hook, and long roster of knockouts have impressed boxing fans for years, including his most recent dispatch of knockout artist and power puncher Oscar “La Migraña” Duarte last December 2023.

#

Haney vs. Garcia is a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship that is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Haney Promotions, KingRy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing. The event will take place on Saturday, April 20 on DAZN PPV live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Magna Media will be handling credentials for this fight. Media interested in applying for a fight night credential must fill out an application by EOD Friday, April 5, 2024. Link to application can be found at https://bit.ly/HaneyGarciaFightNightCreds.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #HaneyGarcia

By Mario Ortega Jr. (Ringside)

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA  — The former unified lightweight champion Devin Haney impressed in his 140-pound debut, issuing Regis Prograis the most one-sided defeat of his career en route to claiming the WBC light welterweight title before his hometown crowd.

Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada was just too much of everything for Prograis (29-2, 24 KOs) of Houston, Texas by way of New Orleans, Louisiana over the twelve rounds.

After a feeling out opening stanza, the fight was all Haney. In the second round, Haney, 140, began to find the angles he needed to land, which he did with one right uppercut in particular.

Early in the third, Haney scored a knockdown with a lead right over the top of Prograis’ guard.

Prograis, 139, came out for the fourth on steady legs, but the challenger continued to give him a boxing lesson as the fight wore on. Haney landed a crisp one-two combination to punctuate the fourth round.

Haney continued to blister Prograis with combinations in the fifth round, while also putting some money in the bank via a body attack.

The one-two worked again for Haney as he rocked Prograis back on his heels with less than a minute to go in the sixth.

The pace slowed in the seventh, with Prograis was unwilling to let his hands go. The referee and the ringside doctor took a long look in the Prograis’ corner prior to the eighth.

Haney led the action in the eighth and ninth, but with less and less to counter, the Bay Area native was content to box and move. With a minute to go in the ninth, Prograis over extended himself with a left and Haney made him pay with a clubbing right that excited the crowd.

Haney seemed satisfied sending the bout to the cards as he exhibited some flashy defense in the championship rounds, but never pressed for the stoppage as he outboxed Prograis from bell-to-bell.

In the end, all three judges scored the shutout for Haney, 120-107. The question now is where does Haney go next. 140-pounds is one of the deepest divisions in boxing, but the Haneys have already floated designs on the welterweight division. Promoter Eddie Hearn floated the name of Ryan Garcia after the bout, but that seems like an unlikely prospect.

In the final appetizer before the main event, WBO #11 ranked light welterweight Liam Paro scored two knockdowns early in the sixth en route to stopping Montana Love midway through the round.

Paro (24-0, 15 KOs) of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and Love (18-1-1, 9 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio fought on even terms early in the fight. There was not much to distinguish the two as the boo birds derided the lack of early action. 

Things heated up a bit more late in the fifth, but it was the sixth where the fight took a quick turn. Paro, 140, landed clean with a left uppercut that sent Love, 140, to the seat of his pants for the first knockdown. 

When action resumed, Paro moved in aggressively, eventually landing a straight left that sent Love down for a second time. Love made it to his feet, but when Paro forced him into a neutral corner with a flurry, Love covered up for too long for referee Thomas Taylor’s liking. The referee stopped the fight at 1:49 of round six.

With the win, Paro, who had a scheduled title bout against Regis Prograis slip between his fingers due to injury earlier this year, claimed the vacant regional WBO Intercontinental 140-pound title.

Cruz Takes out Straffon in 3

Fast-rising lightweight prospect Andy Cruz (2-0, 1 KO) of Miami, Florida by way of Matanzas, Matanzas, Cuba completely steamrolled normally durable Jovanni Straffon (26-6-1, 19 KOs) of Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico en route to a third-round stoppage. 

Cruz, 134.4, let loose with both hands from the opening bell. It was all Straffon, 134, could do to weather the onslaught. The second round was especially one-sided, as Cruz straffed Straffon with everything in his arsenal.

Early in the third round, Cruz pressed Straffon into a neutral corner, landing clean with both hands. Having seen enough of the mismatch, referee Edward Collantes leaped in to stop the bout at :53 of the third round. 

With the win, Cruz successfully defended his IBF International lightweight title and claimed the vacant WBA Continental Latin America lightweight title. 

Yoshida Upsets Bridges to Claim Bantamweight Title

Coming in on short notice, Miyo Yoshida (17-4) of New York, New York by way of Kagoshima, Kagoshima, Japan upset media darling Ebanie Bridges (9-2, 4 KOs) of New South Wales, Australia to claim the IBF bantamweight championship by ten-round unanimous decision. 

Yoshida, 117.6, was in the face of the champion Bridges, 117.8, from the get-go and never took a backward step. Yoshida, despite having campaigned mainly in the 115-pound super flyweight division throughout her career, looked like the bigger fighter and landed the harder shots.

Bridges, fighting for the first time in a year with a surgically-repaired right hand,  never was able to force Yoshida into any sort of retreat and ate the more eye-catching shots as they exchanged throughout a fight fought completely on the inside. 

Yoshida, who entered the ring as the IBF #10 ranked bantamweight and had fought just one month ago in a losing effort to Shurretta Metcalf, closed out the fight strong and raised her hands in celebration as the final bell rang. In the end, all three judges scored the fight wide for Yoshida by scores of 97-93 and 99-91 twice

Middleweight prospect Amari Jones (11-0, 10 KOs) of Las Vegas by way of Oakland, California was impressive in his Bay Area homecoming as he stopped tough veteran Quilisto Madera (14-5, 9 KOs) of Stockton, California in the fifth-round. 

Jones, 159.2 controlled Madera, 160, in the opening round with his jab. As the fight progressed into round three, Jones’ right hand came more into play and became the dominant punch of the fight. 

The end of round four got Jones’ home crowd excited as a right hand snapped Madera’s head back against the turnbuckle and set off an exchange along the ropes. 

Jones picked right up where he left off early in the fifth. With Jones landing clean, two-handed combinations as Madera backed against the ropes, referee Thomas Taylor leaped in to stop the fight. Official time of the stoppage was 1:44 of the fifth round. 

Beatriz Ferreira (4-0, 2 KOs) of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil saw her own blood for the first time as a professional en route to an eight-round stoppage of a game Destiny Jones (5-2, 2 KOs) of Austin, Texas.

Ferreira, 130, found a willing opponent in Jones, 129.8, who had her moments throughout the bout. Ferreira is just a fearless punching machine and Jones had to work hard to keep pace. Twice Ferreira knocked Jones’ mouthpiece out, once with a right late in the second and again in the fourth.

After Jones drew blood with an accidental elbow late in round four, Ferreira seemed more determined to go for the stoppage as the fight progressed. Ferreira eventually landed with a sweeping left hook with seconds to go in round seven that dropped Jones, who was leaning that way.

At the beginning of round eight, Jones did not react well when asked to touch gloves and referee Edward Collantes asked the doctor for a look. On the advice of the doctor, Collantes stopped the bout. Official time of stoppage was :05 of round eight.

In the opening bout, Shamar Canal (7-0, 4 KOs) of Albany, New York continued his rise with a dominant six-round unanimous decision over veteran Jose Antonio Meza (8-9, 2 KOs) of Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico. 

Canal, 132, had too many dimensions for the durable Meza. After comfortably outboxing Meza, 131.8, over the early rounds, Canal pressed on the gas in the last two and finally broke through with a straight right that dropped the Mexican native late in the sixth. All three judges were in agreement on the shutout, 60-53.

6 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
 
SHAMAR CANAL (132lbs)          vs.        JOSE ANTONIO MESA (131.8lbs)
Albany, New York                                  Durango, Mexico
 
Followed by
 
8 x 2 mins Super-Featherweight contest
 
BEATRIZ FERREIRA (130lbs)       vs.        DESTINY JONES (129.8lbs)
Sao Paulo, Brazil                                   Austin, Texas
 
Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
 
AMARI JONES (159.2lbs)           vs.       QUILISTO MADERA (160lbs)
Oakland, California                               Stockton, California
 
LIVE ON DAZN PPV (USA) AND DAZN (R.O.W) FROM 5PM
 
10 x 2 mins IBF World Bantamweight title
 
EBANIE BRIDGES (117.8lbs)       vs.        MIYO YOSHIDA (117.6lbs)
New South Wales, Australia                   Kagoshima, Japan
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins IBF International and vacant WBA Continental Latin-American Lightweight titles
 
ANDY CRUZ (134.4lbs)                 vs.        JOVANNI STRAFFON (134lbs)
Matanzas, Cuba                                    Mexico City, Mexico
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins WBO Intercontinental Super-Lightweight title
 
LIAM PARO (140lbs)                  vs.        MONTANA LOVE (140lbs)
Brisbane, Australia                                Cleveland, Ohio
 
Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins WBC World Super-Lightweight title
 
REGIS PROGRAIS (139lbs)         vs.       DEVIN HANEY (140lbs)
Houston, Texas                                      San Francisco, California

By Mario Ortega Jr. –

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – Devin Haney, until recently the unified lightweight champion, aims to make a splash in his junior welterweight debut as he takes on one of the most avoided 140-pound title holders in Regis Prograis Saturday night at the Chase Center on pay-per-view. The twelve-round fight, which headlines a seven-bout card emanating from the home of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, also marks a homecoming for the San Francisco-bred Haney, who has never before fought in the Bay Area. Fighters weighed-in on Friday at the venue and continued a week of contentious back-and-forth. 

In the lead-up to the fight, bad blood has spilled over as Devin’s father-coach Bill Haney and Prograis’ strength coach Evins Tobler have debated everything from who grew up on the harder streets to which of their main event fighters has real punching power.

In their final face-off on Friday, Haney and Prograis took the lead in the heated back-and-forth between the camps. No one came to blows, but the animosity seemed legitimate as the two shouted each other down in an expletive-laden exchange. 

Haney (30-0, 15 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada closed out his lightweight campaign and solidified his standing among the pound-for-pound elite in his last bout as he scored a hotly-contested unanimous decision over former three-division ruler Vasyl Lomachenko in May. Just over a week ago, Haney relinquished all four of his 135-pound belts to signify his focus on an already crowded junior welterweight division. Haney weighed-in at 140-pounds on Friday.

Prograis (29-1, 24 KOs) of Houston, Texas by way of New Orleans, Louisiana was last in the ring in June as he had a tougher-than-expected time moving past once-beaten late replacement Danielito Zorrilla in the first defense of his WBC title reign. In an admittedly poor performance, Prograis, who was making his hometown return, struggled to close the distance and cut-off the ring against Zorrilla en route to a split decision. Prograis came in at 139-pounds Friday.

In the chief supporting bout, WBO #11 ranked light welterweight Liam Paro takes on Montana Love in a ten-round bout. Paro (23-0, 14 KOs) of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia was the opponent that had to withdraw from the June title bout against Prograis in New Orleans when he injured his Achilles tendon a month before the scheduled clash. Six months later, Paro auditions for another title opportunity, while Love seeks a different type of redemption. Love (18-1-1, 9 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio was an emerging contender at 140-pounds before he was dropped and frustrated to the point of forcing a blatant disqualification in his bout against unheralded Steve Spark last November. 

In a bout for the regional WBO Intercontinental lightweight title, Paro and Love both weighed-in at 140-pounds. 

Highly touted lightweight prospect Andy Cruz (1-0) of Miami, Florida by way of Matanzas, Matanzas, Cuba will meet Jovanni Straffon (26-5-1, 19 KOs) of Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico in a ten-round bout. Cruz will be defending the regional IBF International lightweight title he impressively claimed in his pro debut over respected veteran Juan Carlos Burgos in July. Straffon figures to be a sturdy test for Cruz’ second pro opponent, considering the Mexican native went the twelve-round distance with Maxi Hughes and ended the career of former title challenger James Tennyson by first-round knockout in 2021. 

In a bout also for the vacant WBA Continental Latin America title, Straffon came in at 134 even. Cruz, a 2020 Cuban Olympian gold medalist, scaled 134.4-pounds. 

Ebanie Bridges (9-1, 4 KOs) of New South Wales, Australia seeks to make the second defense of her IBF bantamweight title against late replacement Miyo Yoshida (16-4) of New York, New York by way of Kagoshima, Kagoshima, Japan in a ten-round bout. Bridges had been slated to meet IBF #11 ranked Avril Mathie until an injury late last month forced her fellow Aussie to withdraw. 

Bridges was last in the ring one year ago as scored an eighth-round stoppage of Shannon O’Connell in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. In the time since, Bridges nursed a surgically-repaired right hand and began training under Dave Coldwell.  Yoshida, the IBF #10 ranked bantamweight, fought just a month ago, coming up short to Shurretta Metcalf in her 118-pound debut. Bridges, who, as always, was not camera shy while hitting the scales, came in at 117.8-pounds.

Yoshida, a former WBO super flyweight champion, weighed-in at 117.6. 

Beatriz Ferreira (3-0, 1 KO) of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil will take on Destiny Jones (5-1, 2 KOs) of Austin, Texas in an eight-round super featherweight bout. Ferreira, a 2020 Brazilian Olympian and former international amateur standout, weighed-in at 130-pounds. Jones, stepping up to the eight-round distance for the first time, scaled 129.8-pounds.  

Shamar Canal (6-0, 4 KOs) of Albany, New York will take on veteran Jose Antonio Meza (8-8, 2 KOs) of Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico in a six-round featherweight fight. Canal, promoted by Devin Haney Promotions, was last in the ring in October, scoring a second-round knockout in Colima, Mexico. Meza last saw action in September, fighting to a double disqualification against Leonardo Padilla. Canal weighed-in at 132-pounds, while Meza made 131.8-pounds. 

Middleweight prospect Amari Jones (10-0, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas by way of Oakland, California will make a step-up against veteran Quilisto Madera (14-4, 9 KOs) of Stockton, California in an eight-round bout. Jones, promoted by Devin Haney Promotions, last fought in October, scoring a first-round stoppage in Colima, Mexico. Madera, a nine-year pro, is hoping to rebound from an eight-round decision loss to Kevin Newman II in August. Jones, who like Haney is making his Bay Area debut as a professional, weighed-in at 159.2-pounds.

Madera, who refused to attend the pre-fight press conference on Thursday, citing bad blood, scaled 160-pounds.

Quick Weigh-in Results:

WBC Light Welterweight Championship, 12 Rounds

Prograis 139

Haney 140 

WBO Intercontinental Light Welterweight Championship, 10 Rounds

Paro 140

Love 140 

IBF International Lightweight Championship

WBA Continental Latin America Lightweight Championship, 10 Rounds

Cruz 134.4

Straffon 134

IBF Bantamweight Championship, 10 Rounds

Bridges 117.8

Yoshida 117.6

Super featherweights, 8 Rounds

Ferreira 130

Jones 129.8

Super featherweights, 6 Rounds

Canal 132

Meza 131.8

Middleweights, 8 Rounds

Jones 159.2

Madera 160

Tickets for the event, promoted by Matchroom Boxing, Devin Haney Promotions and Rougarou Promotions, are available online at Ticketmaster.com 

Photos by Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing 

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortegajr.mario@gmail.com 

Devin Haney and Regis Prograis came face-to-face for the first time in fight week – signaling the countdown is on to their blockbuster battle for the WBC World Super-Lightweight title at Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday night, live on DAZN PPV in North America and on DAZN worldwide
 
Tickets have being flying as elite boxing ends a lengthy absence from the Bay Area, and there was no better spot than the famous Golden Gate Bridge to better signify the massive night ahead for both men.
 
Unbeaten Haney is looking to bridge the five-pound gap between the Lightweight division he left behind holding all the belts, and the 140lb division he seeks to rip the WBC belt from ruler Prograis and become a two-weight King in his first pro fight on home turf. 
 
Defending champion Prograis has no intention of surrendering the green and gold though, and the New Orleans man is in no mood to let Haney reach the other side where the unification battles that ‘Rougarou’ craves are waiting.
 
Haney and Prograis will face-off two more times ahead of Saturday’s action, and fans can watch both the press conference and the weigh-in live on Matchroom’s YouTube channel – but can get even closer to the action on Friday lunchtime, with free entry to the weigh-in at Chase Center on Friday, with information on how to get tickets to be released tomorrow morning (Wednesday).
 

Liam Paro told Matchroom’s Flash Knockdown podcast that he will show he belongs at the top level when he meets Montana Love at Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday December 9, live on DAZN PPV in North America and on DAZN worldwide, where Regis Prograis defends his WBC World Super-Lightweight title against Devin Haney.
 
Paro (23-0 14 KOs) returns to the ring after over a year on the sidelines since his spectacular first round KO of Brock Jarvis in Brisbane in October 2022, and is itching to get back into action after injury ruled him out of two fights in the first half of the year, the last and most notable of those being a World title shot against Prograis in New Orleans in June.
 
Paro is back to full fitness and has been on fire in training camp in Las Vegas, where he found himself caught up in a Twitter storm around his sparring with pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson. The 27 year old adhered to the fighters code and did not go into specifics of the work, but said he took away real belief that those are the names he belongs with – and will prove it on December 9 against Love.
 
“It’s sparring at the end of the day,” said Paro. “We got good rounds in, but mark my words, I belong at the top level, I can mix it with them confidently. I appreciate the work with Shakur, it’s great work and a good camp to work with, but I belong there for sure. 
 
“I want the winner of Haney-Prograis. I think Devin beats him, I think the way to give him trouble is fast feet like Vasiliy Lomachenko, but in his last fight Regis’ looked stuck in the mud. He’s going to be fit and ready though as this is a massive fight, as big as it gets, but I think Devin edges this one out. Haney vs. Paro rolls off the tongue, but I am not looking past Montana, I know I need to get the job done there first.
 
“I know that when I get the job done, I’ll be headlining big shows like this one against big names, it just motivates me so much. It’s what you dream of as a young kid and now it’s starting to become a reality. It’s unbelievable. I’m here, but I want more. The harder the task, the more I perform, I always rise to the occasion. I love it. That’s what makes a champion, performing under pressure, I really thrive on that.”
 
Joining Paro on the latest episode of Flash Knockdown are O’Shaquie Foster, who reviews his epic fight with Rocky Hernandez and eyes a unification with Joe Cordina next, Josh Warrington, who reflects on his clash with Leigh Wood, and there’s another Mike Costello gem from the memory bank.