Devin Haney and Joseph Diaz Public Negotiation Brings A Signed Bout
In boxing, rarely when fighters publicly argue on social media does it result in them squaring off in the ring. Fans are happy to see that is not the case with WBC lightweight champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (26-0, 15ko) and interim titlist Joseph “JoJo” Diaz (32-1-1, 15ko).
If you have been following this story, nobody should be surprised this fight is happening. Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn was ecstatic to post the news on social media.
HOW WE GOT HERE (THE CLIFF NOTES VERSION)
It felt as if these two rivals final destination was to fight in the ring. JoJo won the right to face Haney after defeating Javier Fortuna in July. He would immediately call out all the top lightweights, especially the WBC champion.
He did a military “about-face” and decided to fight fellow Golden Boy Promotions stablemate Ryan “KingRy” Garcia. Coincidentally the fight fell apart after Garcia suffered an injury, which opened up the chance for a Haney fight to be revisited.
RELATED: Joseph Diaz Pissed At Garcia Fight Delay: “Ryan Garcia is a Bitch!”
To his credit, The Dream was very aggressive in wanting to make the fight happen. When news of Garcia pulling out surfaced, he wasted no time at all calling out Diaz.
“Let’s make this fight happen December 3rd Joseph Diaz Jr, Eddie Hearn.”
Haney continued to apply pressure by announcing that a contract was issued and he revealed his team fulfilled Diaz’s demands. Equally important, fans truly got the sense something was going to happen after a very cryptic message from Diaz on Halloween gave off a vibe that the fight was already a done deal.
“Staying in for Halloween weekend. I got the biggest fight of my life I’m prepping for. Fight announcement should be going out this week.”
THE FINAL DESTINATION
Boxing fans are undoubtedly glad to see the publicly negotiated fight on social media not turn out to be all smoke and mirrors again. Diaz has a chance at becoming a two-divisional champion and easing the pain of having to give up his IBF junior lightweight belt on the scale in February before his majority draw against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov.
Haney can stick a sock in the mouth of all the naysayers questioning the lack of quality opponent on his resume. Both men took to social media in letting the fans know that it’s about to go down finally! They are all in, ready to fight and there will be no more talking.
“It’s official, December 4th in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Aren Live on @DAZN”
Joseph Diaz Jr. – WBC Interim Champion
By: Garrisson Bland
