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World champion Devin Haney says Ryan Garcia’s “antics will betray him” as the challenger continued their bitter rivalry with unsavoury exchanges before Saturday’s light-welterweight contest. <\/b><\/p>\n
The Americans, both 25, will meet at the Barclay Center, Brooklyn, New York. <\/p>\n
Garcia launched a foul-mouthed tirade at both Haney and a member of the crowd at Thursday’s news conference. <\/p>\n
“The antics are almost done. This isn’t an easy fight but a fight I will make look easy,” Haney said. <\/p>\n
“I have my tunnel vision. It will show. All his antics and all the things he has been doing will betray him and it will show.” <\/p>\n
Haney pushed fellow Californian Garcia in the face during a promotional meet-up at the top of New York’s Empire State Building on Tuesday, and the bad blood that has dominated the build-up continued two days later.<\/p>\n
Garcia – who has spoken openly about his mental health struggles in the past – has posted several erratic, often unsubstantiated and defamatory, social media posts in recent months, leading to concerns from the boxing community over his wellbeing.<\/p>\n
“What do you guys want me to say? I’ve already said everything,” he said. <\/p>\n
Garcia – who boasts 24 wins with one defeat and is known for his blistering hand speed – then repeatedly yelled “I’m on fire” and “I’m strong” before returning his seat. <\/p>\n
Moments later, he directed a number of expletive-laden insults towards a Haney supporter in the audience. <\/p>\n
Two-weight world champion Haney, dressed in all black with matching sunglasses and gloves, remained expressionless. <\/p>\n
Haney will make a first defence of his 140lb crown. He has won all 31 pro bouts and is widely considered one of boxing’s pound-for-pound stars. <\/p>\n
His father and trainer, Bill Haney, and promoter, Eddie Hearn, suggested Garcia’s behaviour should not been taken seriously. <\/p>\n
“The promotion you have given this fight has been unbelievable. Baffling, but unbelievable,” Hearn told Garcia. <\/p>\n
Haney Sr added: “Ryan has fooled the people into thinking he’s something other than a great fighter,” before handing Garcia a book titled Psychology for Dummies. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n