Devin Haney Beats Kambosos Again in Australia

Once again Devin Haney bloodied and belted George Kambosos to remain undisputed lightweight world champion by unanimous decision in a much more exciting fight than their first meeting.

This time Haney (29-0, 15 KOs) took an offensive approach with far less clinching and battered Australia’s Kambosos (20-2, 10 KOs) at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia. The Las Vegas resident retains the WBO, WBC, IBF, and WBA lightweight titles.

He also hopes he’s proved he belongs on pound for pound lists.

After all the talk and banter regarding the first fight that saw Haney cruise to victory with nary a scratch, this fight was different from the very beginning as Kambosos switched from stance to stance. It proved to make the champion think and that was an immediate improvement from the first encounter.

“I didn’t expect him to be switching,” Haney said. “But I caught on.”

Kambosos was able to connect with left hooks from his weird positioning, but did not have an answer for his lightning strike lead rights. And if he stayed too long in front, the long quick jab was there too.

“I knew he was looking for my jab,” said Haney about Kambosos new approach. “I felt it was right hands to look for tonight.”

Still, Kambosos presented a different fight. And though Haney clinched early on, Kambosos used his head as a battering ram and seemed to discourage more clinching. But those quick lead Haney rights were another problem for the Aussie, especially in the seventh round as they pummeled Kambosos.

Blood appeared on the Aussies face and by the 10^th round he was a bloody mess. But he seemed almost encouraged by the blood and often motioned Haney to attack. He didn’t need encouragement.

Though Haney connected often he didn’t seem to be able to floor Kambosos. Even in the 10^th round when blow after blow connected for the champion, the Aussie stood erect. But it was clear that Haney was in complete control and just too talented even for a more improved Kambosos.

“He’s a warrior,” said the champion about his two-time foe.

After 12 rounds all three judges scored it in favor of Haney 119-109, 118-110 twice.

Now with his rematch contract achieved, he seeks any of the marquee names mentioned as possible foes such as Vasyl Lomachenko, Gervonta Davis or Teofimo Lopez.

“We’re taking on all comers whoever is next,” Haney said. “Bring em on.”

Top Rank’s Bob Arum agreed.

“Devin Haney is a special talent, and he showed, once again, that he is among the world’s best fighters. He came to Australia, in his opponent’s home country, and put on a masterful performance. There are so many great fights to be made for Devin in the future,” said Arum.

Photo credit: Mikey Williams / Top Rank

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