World champion Devin Haney says Ryan Garcia's “antics will get the better of him” as challenger Ryan Garcia continued their bitter rivalry with an unpleasant exchange before Saturday's light welterweight bout. he said.
The Americans, both 25 years old, will compete at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Mr. Garcia launched into a foul-mouthed tirade against Mr. Haney and a member of the audience during Thursday's press conference.
“The antics are almost over. This is not an easy fight, but I'm going to make it look easy,” Haney said.
“I have tunnel vision. It's going to come out. His antics and everything he's done is going to betray him and it's going to come out.”
Mr. Haney shoved Mr. Garcia, a fellow Californian, in the face on Tuesday during a promotional rally on the top floor of New York's Empire State Building, but the bad blood that presided over the build-up continued two days later.
Garcia has spoken openly about his mental health issues in the past, but in recent months he has posted erratic, often unsubstantiated and defamatory posts on social media that have led to concerns about his health. There have been concerns from the boxing world about his condition.
“What do you all want me to say? I've already said it all,” he said.
Garcia, who is 24-1 and known for his incredible hand speed, repeatedly shouted “I'm on fire” and “I'm strong” before returning to his seat.
Immediately afterwards, he directed a series of expletive-filled insults at Haney supporters in the audience.
Haney, a two-division world champion, remained expressionless, wearing all black with sunglasses and gloves.
Haney will be making his first defense of the 140-pound crown. He has won all 31 of his professional bouts and is widely considered one of boxing's pound-for-pound stars.
His father, trainer Bill Haney, and promoter Eddie Hearn suggested Garcia's actions should not be taken seriously.
“The promotion you gave me in this fight was unbelievable. Inexplicable but unbelievable,” Hearn told Garcia.
“Ryan fooled people into thinking he wasn't a great martial artist,” Haney Sr. added, before handing Garcia a book called “Psychology for Dummies.”
