Devin Haney looks to block out distractions, antics from Ryan Garcia in attempt to assert himself as a star

Haney can grow his fanbase by leaps and bounds on Saturday if he puts in the performance many expect from him

When pressed with questions by journalists at Wednesday's open media workout about the ongoing antics of Saturday's opponent, Ryan Garcia, which have dominated the pre-fight promotion, all unbeaten WBC junior welterweight champion Devin Haney could do was sigh and repeat a familiar sentiment. 

The more Garcia acts out as a means to bring attention to their pay-per-view grudge match on Saturday, while the boxing world openly debates between whether he's trolling or in the thick of a mental breakdown, the 25-year-old Haney has remained grounded by leaning on the same understanding that has helped him achieve nothing but breakthrough success ever since turning pro in 2015 at the ripe age of 17.

Even though Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) is well prepared for the speed and unpredictability of his former amateur rival when the two touch gloves inside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, the native of Las Vegas realizes his real toughest opponent will always be himself.