Haney lands jabs on George before fight
THIS time, Devin Haney is the smiling assassin, subtly, imperceptibly, living rent-free in George Kambosos’ head.
While Kambosos spruiked the art of war before their first bout in June, Devin Haney has returned to use psychological warfare of his own ahead of their rematch at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on Sunday.
Quietly-spoken and oozing the calmness of a monk, it is easy to be fooled by Haney, but he is clearly nobody’s fool.
In fight one, ‘The Dream’ picked Kambosos apart with a sniping jab inside the ring.
The undisputed lightweight champ has spent the past few days pressure-testing Kambosos,
mindful that while ‘Ferocious’ talked the talk before their Marvel Stadium blockbuster four months ago, it was Haney who walked the walk when it mattered.
Upon his arrival Down
Under, Haney, emboldened by four world-title belts, began the mental disintegration, suggesting Kambosos was on the nose with many sports fans because of his histrionics in June.
When the pair faced off again on Tuesday, Haney continued the needling.
Asked if the hype overwhelmed him in their first fight, Kambosos conceded: “It does come with a lot (of pressure) as a champion … but I’m in a good position now”.
“Just admit it was too much for you?” Haney jabbed.
“What was too much?” Kambosos countered.
“Everything. It was too much. The build-up … you agreed you had to do too much stuff and all of that,” Haney sniped.
“I am very proud of that event,” Kambosos hit back.
“Yeah, but it was too much for you,” Haney finished, plunging the psychological dagger.