By Adam Baskin: Devin Haney says his team has a game plan set to deal with the high work rate for George Kambosos Jr, and he insists “it will work” on Sunday when the two square off for the lightweight undisputed championship.
Haney (27-0, 15 KOs) will be bringing his WBC 135-lb title with him to defend it against IBF/WBA/WBC Franchise/WBO champion Kambosos (20-0, 10 KOs) at the Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.
Interestingly, Kambosos has chosen not to bring his four world title belts with him when he’s met with Haney. It’s unclear whether Kambosos is superstitious about Haney touching them, and jinxing him.
Some fighters believe that if their opponents tough their belts, it means they’ll lose them. With Kambosos’ ego, it’s unlikely he believes can magically prevent him from winning by simply touching his belt during the press conferences.
Kambosos has been getting a lot of mileage out of his upset win over Teofimo Lopez last November. He’s mentioned Teofimo in almost every interview, and it’s pretty clear that he was surprised himself that he won the fight.
Kambosos’ personality has gone through a transformation since he beat Teofimo. Rather than being the unassuming person he once was, Kamaboso appears almost arrogant to the extreme, acting like he’s been on top for many years.
Unfortunately, the only name on Kambosos’ resume is Teofimo Lopez, and he was injured when he beat him. It’s surprising how quickly Kambosos’ ego has shot through the roof with his win.
Even Elvis Presley was still humble the first three years after he achieved fame, but Kambosos’ win over Teofimo has gone to his head in an alarming way.
“I’m relaxed and ready to go on Sunday. This is a dream come true for me, and I’m looking forward to achieving it on Sunday,” said Devin Haney to the assembled media on Wednesday.
“If I thought that was a factor, I wouldn’t be here,” said Haney when asked if not having his dad, Bill, there with him in Melbourne, Australia could be a problem for him in this fight.
“I’m here with my mindset at not leaving without the belts, and I’m not doing anything different. On Sunday, I will come out undisputed by any means necessary.
“Devin Haney undisputed. The youngest undisputed,” said Haney’s prediction on the fight. “I just want to be a role model, and inspiration for the older fighters, younger fighters to bet on myself, and that’s what I’m doing.
“I trusted in my skills and my talent, and I went down under without my dad, and without my head coach. I’m going to show you it’s possible on Sunday.
“Of course, we prepare for everybody different and we’re prepared for anything he brings to the table,” said Haney when asked if he’s prepared for Kambosos’ high punch output style of fighting. We have a game plan set, and it will work.
