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American Devin Haney insists preparations for his fight with George Kambosos are going to plan despite his trainer father being banned from entering Australia.
Devin Haney says his quest to become undisputed world champion won't be derailed by the absence of his trainer father Bill.
The American boxer arrived in Melbourne ahead of his lightweight title showdown with Australia's George Kambosos at Marvel Stadium on Sunday minus key members of his camp, with his father and his other lead trainer Ben Davison denied entry visas.
Haney Snr reportedly has a 30-year-old drug conviction which was behind the government knockback.
Yoel Judah, the father of former world champion Zab Judah, who was famously knocked out by another Australian Kostya Tszyu in 2001, will instead be in Haney's corner for the fight.
Haney's father has guided his career since he was a youngster, with his record now 27-0 (15K0).
He took him to Mexico for his first four professional fights because as a 17-year-old he was too young to fight in the USA.
Haney, who holds the WBC belt, said he wasn't about to turn down a chance to become undisputed world champion just because his father couldn't be present.
"My dad has been coaching me over the phone as much as he can," the 23-year-old said on Monday.
"Things have definitely been different without my father here but the show must go on.
"Me and Yoel have been getting our chemistry together and doing our thing and I have a great team around me.
"It's been a dream of mine and I wasn't going to turn it down for nothing.
"My dad instilled the right things into me and I'm ready. My father isn't here but I'm not leaving without those belts."
Haney fans have accused Kambosos of having a role in the visa bungle but the Australian issued a plea to immigration officials during a pre-fight press conference to allow Bill Haney into the country.
"Let the man in - I want no excuses," said Kambosos, who owns the IBF, WBA, WBO, and The Ring magazine belts.
But the 28-year-old Australian, whose record is 20-0 (10KO), otherwise had little sympathy.
"I've been doing it for five years - fighting overseas for little money, for no belts and trying to get my shot," Kambosos said.
"This guy comes for one trip and gets millions of dollars and they want me to get the violin out for him."
