HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Confidence is supreme for Devin Haney ahead of his date with Vasiliy Lomachenko on May 20 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
The undisputed lightweight champion Haney (29-0, 15 KOs) is a betting favorite to beat the former three-division champion Lomachenko (17-2, 11 KOs) simply because bookies believe Haney possesses more talent.
“There is nothing that Loma can do better than me. I’m better than him in every aspect, every attribute,” Haney said in an interview with BoxingScene.com and other reporters.
“We have to see what version of Loma shows up. I’m prepared for whatever he brings to the table. I’ve been studying Loma for years, and now I’m dissecting him. I know what type of Loma will show up, and we’re going to be ready for what he brings.”
The 24-year-old Haney will have several advantages when it comes to the tale of the tape against Lomachenko, who is 11 years his senior.
Standing at 5 foot 8, Haney is officially one inch taller than Lomachenko, but judging by the naked eye, it appears to be a bit more. Haney will also sport a near six-inch reach advantage.
By the time Haney rehydrates and steps into the ring, he should appear to be even more physically imposing.
“I’m a big lightweight at the end of the way,” said Haney. “He has fought taller guys, but at the end of the day, size doesn’t matter when you get in that ring. We both weigh in at 135. Loma has fought bigger guys. The best man is going to win that night, and it’s going to be me.
“With each training camp and fight, I am getting better. It’s a blessing. My body is maturing and I am getting stronger. I’m 24 years old now and my man strength is definitely coming in. I feel great. I am excited.
“I’m a young hungry lion who is going into his prime and ready for whatever he brings.
Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer, and broadcast reporter. He’s also a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan, through email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com, or via www.ManoukAkopyan.com.