Bill Haney has dismissed claims from Jorge Linares regarding his 2021 lightweight world title loss to Devin Haney. Linares attributed his defeat in Las Vegas to poor preparation in Japan during pandemic restrictions, prompting a sharp response online from Haney’s father.
The contest took place on 29 May 2021 at the Michelob Ultra Arena, where Devin Haney defended his WBC lightweight title against the former multi-division champion. Haney established an early lead behind a precise jab, controlling the pace throughout the opening five rounds. Linares mounted a late surge, heavily staggering Haney with a flush right hand in the tenth round. Haney managed the remaining rounds by holding and boxing at range, securing a unanimous decision victory with scores of 116-112, 116-112, and 115-113.
Speaking at a WBA event, Linares reflected on the bout and suggested that restrictive training conditions prevented him from performing at his best. He stated to YSM Sports Media: ““The thing that happened in that fight is because I made the decision to be in Japan and training in Japan full-time because of the corona [virus]. I didn’t have any similar fighter like him. The first round to the fifth round I didn’t do anything because the jab was a little annoying. But when I touched him, I was very close to finishing the fight by KO. He was more smart than me. He listened to the corner. He started running. That’s why he win the fight,””
Bill Haney rejected the narrative. Writing on social media, he responded directly to the former champion: ““Jorge, pull your skirt down and live with that ass whooping. “Have some respect for yourself. We gave you an opportunity, you blew it, and we capitalized. “How much longer are you going to hate? 😅””
Linares claimed he sought an immediate rematch, though a second fight never materialized.
Five years on from their encounter, the post-fight debate highlights the lingering frustration surrounding close championship bouts. While Linares maintains that superior sparring and alternative preparation would have changed the result, the Haney camp considers the chapter firmly closed. For Devin Haney, managing adversity in the ring laid the groundwork for further unification bouts in higher weight classes. For Linares, the outcome remains an unfulfilled opportunity in the closing chapter of his career at the highest level.
