On June 5 in Melbourne (Australia), WBC champion American lightweight Devin Haney (27-0, 15 KOs) will fight with local division absolute George Kambosos Jr. (20-0, 10 KOs).
On the eve of the fight in the American team, there was a tangible loss – due to a long prison term, a visa was denied to the father-coach of the champion Bill Haney.
He commented son’s willingness to win no matter the circumstances: “You need to know one important thing about my kid. The more you try to put sticks in his wheels, the more confidently he rides. I don’t hide it, it was not easy for me to give the green light to the fight, realizing that I would not be in the corner. But I am sure that circumstances will force him to show himself 100%. What can it be compared to? It could be compared to the moment when you send your son to college. But to be honest, it’s not the same at all. Perhaps a better comparison would be with the moment you send your son to war. But even this comparison is not quite suitable, because we went all this way together. And as a father with his son and as a coach with a fighter. But we will deal with it in the same way that we dealt with other obstacles before.”
“How did I let him go? Bill Haney smiles. – Devin assured that he would win and return with belts. He stated that there would be no problems. It is important to note that the issue is not completely closed. There are small chances that they will still make an exception for me, and I will still end up in Australia. But just in case, we have already figured out a way for me to stay in touch with my son during the time if I am not in his corner. I know for sure that he will be ready for battle. And that’s the most important thing.”
In Haney’s corner will be Yoel Judah, father/coach of ex-world champion Zab Judah. Bill Haney comments: “What kind of relationship do we have? .. They are more than just friendly. Zab is Devin’s godfather. And Yoel is also like a godfather to Devin. Who better than him to understand my situation. He, too, has always been close to his son throughout his life. Therefore, I had no doubt that he would completely replace me. I knew that he would not refuse me, that he would not be afraid that he would be ready. That he will help Devin and give the most clear and necessary instructions during the fight.
Interestingly, Kambosos tried to help Haney’s father with a visa, but in vain. Later, the Australian said: “I already know how Devin will justify his defeat.” In the meantime, the American sold out in earnest: “Lomachenko, Shakur, Davis, Garcia … I’ll knock everyone out in turn.”