Haney v Linares betting tips: Third defence the toughest for Haney
Preview and odds for lightweight showdown
Devin Haney aims to prove he deserves to be thought of as one of the best lightweight fighters in the world with victory over former three-weight world champion Jorge Linares in Las Vegas this weekend.
Many were underwhelmed by the selection of Linares as opponent, mainly because it is felt the 35-year-old’s best days are behind him, but Haney, who is overwhelming favourite at 1/12 to prevail in terms of Haney v Linares betting tips, thinks he is in for a stiff test.
Haney will be making the third defence of his WBC title on Saturday night at the Michelob Ultra Arena, having defeated Alfredo Santiago and Yuriorkis Gamboa, and this is arguably the toughest test of his career.
“I am expecting a firefight and I can’t wait,” said Haney (25-0, 15KOs), who is 15/8 to earn a decision and 4/7 to win by knockout, stoppage or disqualification.
“We don’t know what Jorge will turn up, but I am ready for anything, and I can’t wait to show it. Jorge brings so much to the table. Speed, power, ring IQ, experience against the best of the best.
“I think he’s the type of opponent that will bring the best out of me, make me bring out my A-game, take it to the next level, the elite level.
“People think he will have success, some think he will even win the fight, and that’s why it will show that I am elite and one of the best, if not the best, in the world.”
Linares relying on experience
Linares (47-5, 29KOs) has beaten two unheralded opponents since a shock first-round knockout loss to Pablo Cesar Cano in January 2019.
He is 15/2 to upset the odds and win a world title in a fourth division – having previously held belts at featherweight, super-featherweight and lightweight – and he believes his experience will be a key factor.
“It’s a big fight and a new challenge for me,” said Linares, who is 18/1 to win by decision and 11/1 to triumph by knockout, stoppage or disqualification.
“I have a lot of respect for Devin. He’s a young guy, a world champion, but on Saturday the respect goes, and I am ready for an amazing fight, and I hope he’s ready too.
“He knows who he is fighting, I have a lot of experience and that’s the most important thing in this fight to win the fight. He doesn’t have that. He has talent, he has youth and hunger, and the belt.
“A fight with me is a different level. I can show so many styles, I’m naturally fast and strong, I don’t have a lot of KOs, but he knows I can punch. I think he will run all night, but I will be waiting for him, I will follow him.
“If he wants to fight inside, I am ready for him. He’s going to have big problems, he knows I can do everything, and he knows I have to timing to put him down. I just need to go out and do my job and put on a great fight.”
View the latest Haney v Linares odds
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
