Devin Haney gave Jo Jo Diaz everything he wanted to make the fight
WBC lightweight champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (26-0, 15ko) is aggressively trying to make the fight with rival WBC interim titlist Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz (32-1-1, 15ko). Moreover, he is ready to get all the contracts signed.
The Dream has always maintained that fighters in the division have actively avoided him. However, he has continued to seek high-profile fights to no avail. The “high risk, low reward” tag has prevented him from getting that one signature fight.
MAKE THE FIGHT HAPPEN
The boxing community is hoping that will all change as both fighters are using social media to keep fans updated about the progress of the negotiations.
Haney struck first, taking to social media calling out Diaz for a December 3 fight. Of course, Diaz responded by accepting the challenge and taking a shot at his rival in the process.
“Contact MTKGlobal let’s do it, actually send the contract this time, bitch.”
This is the second time Jo Jo has hinted about Haney not sending a contract. Nevertheless, Haney called the bluff of the interim titlist and took to social media to make it known team Diaz has received a contract.
The Dream is not playing and is determined to make this fight happen. He once again took to social media to mitigate any attempt by Diaz to avoid the fight. Jo Jo, like a social media hawk, immediately responded with a very candid message.
“Stop trying to fool the public pussy, the contract getting signed.”
All of this is music to the ears of the boxing community as it appears the fight will happen. Or, will it?
THE DRAMA CONTINUES
Both arch-rivals continue to trade shots on social media as Diaz wants the fans to know the reason things are moving rather slowly, and he is adamant on making this fight for the fans.
Haney couldn’t get his Twitter fingers working fast enough. Soon after, he let it be known that Diaz got everything requested to make this fight happen.
A MUCH NEEDED QUALITY OPPONENT
If Haney is victorious, it will shake off criticism that his resume is weak. It is not unusual for a champion to want a rematch clause in the contract for a fighter the caliber of Diaz. Haney understands this is a big fight against a very dangerous opponent. Diaz’s only defeat was at the hands of the longest-reigning WBC featherweight champion, “Mr.” Gary Russell, back in 2018.
Fans still like to point to how hurt the WBC champion was in his fight with 3-divisional champion Jorge “Golden Boy” Linares. Haney dominated the majority of the rounds until being rocked in the closing seconds of the tenth round. He would survive, but it took longer than normal to recover.
Many considered Linares past his prime, and he is not viewed as a huge threat in the division. Therefore, fans used that moment to cast doubt on Haney being able to beat the top-tier fighters.
Diaz is experienced in championship-level fights, which was on full display in his capturing of the IBF junior lightweight title away from Tevin Farmer, back in 2020. This is the fight that Haney needs to silence all the critics.
If everything goes according to plan, fans can expect to see this fight live on DAZN.
By: Garrisson Bland
