Ryan Garcia will take on Devin Haney for his first world championship title at Barclays Center on Saturday.
Garcia, with a record of 24-1 with 20 knockouts, and Haney, with a record of 31-0, are scheduled to fight for the WBC World Super Lightweight title. Although Garcia’s controversial behavior outside the ring has garnered attention, Haney has stated that he is still focused and undistracted.
“That’s not really for me to determine—how he’s [Garcia] approaching the fight. The main focus is staying focused—this is bigger than Ryan Garcia. I’ve said that before. I’m going to prove my greatness to myself and to the world. Ryan Garcia’s just another opponent for me,” Haney said to Boxing Scene.
Haney’s comments followed an incident where he shoved Garcia at The Empire State Building after the two came face-to-face. Garcia later threatened legal action against Haney.
“It’s business, at the end of the day. Outside of the ring, we weren’t friends—we never were friends—so it doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, I’m going to go in and do my job, and may the best man win,” Haney said.
Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia predictions
Sporting News: Haney TKO 8
Tom Gray writes: “Haney is one of the sharpest and most dedicated athletes in boxing. He’s a patient technician with every punch in the book and his defense is excellent. The anarchy that Garcia has injected into this promotion will not matter once the bell rings. A champion of Haney’s caliber will have game plans A, B and C, and it’ll be strictly business. I just hope that Garcia can sort out some personal demons and give 100 percent of himself going forward. Boxing needs him.”
George Kamboso Jr., former undisputed lightweight champion: Devin is better
“I can’t see him winning this fight,” said Kambosos when discussing Garcia with Fight Hub TV. “I think Devin is getting better and better, and I think he’s going to be too good for him.”
Claressa Shields, undefeated pro boxer: Haney to win in unanimous decision
Shields said, “It just seems like that to me, Devin Haney has had harder fights. He has had more challenging fights and he’s grown more. I don’t know if I can say that about Ryan… I see that as a very close competitive fight early. And I say that because of Ryan’s attributes like he got heart, right? He’s fast, he’s flashy.”
CBS Sports: Fight to go under 10.5 rounds
Staff writes: “Kahn likes the fight to go under 10.5 rounds at a price of +220 in the latest boxing odds. He’s also made the call on a method-of-victory prop and a confident money-line pick.”
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Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia: Odds, lines for super lightweight championship bout
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Thursday.
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Devin Haney to win: -900
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Ryan Garcia to win: +500
How to watch Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia fight
When: Saturday, April 20
Time: Main card begins 8 p.m. ET
Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
Cable TV: N/A
Streaming: DAZN PPV
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney: Predictions, picks, odds
