Sipa USA

Devin Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) is not too concerned with the words of Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) ahead of their April 20 clash.

The bitter rivals clash at the Barclays Center in New York City, NY. They headline a card promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions. The event will be available as a PPV on DAZN around the world. Haney’s WBC super lightweight title is at stake.

On the April 7 edition of the “Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast,” an interview featuring Big Fight Weekend’s Dan Rafael with the reigning champion became available to listeners. In it, they discuss Haney’s reign as lightweight champion, becoming a super lightweight titleholder, his upcoming clash with Garcia and more. Below is just some of what “The Dream” had to say.

Devin Haney speaks with Dan Rafael

On his lightweight reign and becoming 140-lb champion

“I’m excited for the fight,” said Haney. “Another fight at 140 where I’m much more comfortable, much more stronger, and look forward to it.”

“That all makes me smile, just hearing it,” he said when his list of accomplishments at lightweight were read out. “I’ve worked hard to make the best fights happen. I’ve always said I wanted to fight the best fighters in the world and my resume shows.”

“That [the way he fought against Regis Prograis] was the gameplan. To go in there, to execute, to handicap him and make it as easy as possible…I trusted the gameplan that it would out and it did.”

“I’m still young, still got a lot of growing, lot of maturing to do in the ring. I’m getting better and better each fight. Getting stronger. Getting more mature. Outside of the ring and in the ring. So I don’t think I’m in my prime yet, but I’m definitely on the upwards for sure.”

Clashing against Ryan Garcia

“He [Garcia] can post whatever he want to post on his page. It’s his page. It’s his platform. My main focus is to continue to remain focused and keep training and prepare to dominate him. No matter if he’s all the way there or not I can’t get too emotionally attached to that. I just got to focus on being the best me.”

“We know that Ryan Garcia is a Tiktoker, a Youtuber, actor, whatever you want to call. I don’t take nothing that he says serious. At the end of the day, this is a brutal sport and every time we go in there we risk our lives and we know that. Whatever he’s trying to set out to do, it won’t work. He won’t have no answer for me on April 20. Let him say what he want to say, I’ll just take it out on him April 20 and make a lot of people happy.”

For the full interview and more, check out the April 7 edition of the “Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast.”

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Greg Olsen offers broadcasting advice to Tom Brady
Yankees' Juan Soto reacts to Hal Steinbrenner contract talk
Scottie Scheffler arrested, will still make PGA Championship tee time
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7
Rangers secure spot in conference finals after stunning third-period comeback over Hurricanes
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
Yankees' Hal Steinbrenner shares massive Juan Soto contract update
Steelers' Cameron Heyward addresses contract holdout
Knicks star ruled out for potential closeout game
Dodgers starter undergoes season-ending UCL surgery
Clemson’s Dabo Swinney gives smug response about not using transfer portal
Caitlin Clark's debut was most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years
Watch: Chris Kreider's natural third-period hat trick shatters Hurricanes' comeback hopes
Veteran NFL safety will either play for this team or retire in 2024
Former Red Wings head coach linked to open NHL job
How Patriots' Drake Maye has already impressed Jacoby Brissett
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry among Forbes' highest-paid athletes for 2024
Steve Cohen addresses if Mets could again be trade-deadline sellers
Tiger Woods ruins strong first round with sloppy finish at PGA Championship
NFL responds to speculation about Chiefs schedule and Taylor Swift

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.