Another Impressive Win for Devin Haney; Ruben Villa Wins Too

Start rolling out the bandwagon. It might be that time for lightweight contender Devin “The Dream” Haney.

Haney (21-0, 13 KOs) may only be 20 years old but powered through Xolisani Ndongeni (25-1, 13 KOs) and handed the South African his first loss on Friday at Shreveport, Louisiana to retain his various titles. Showtime televised.

It was thorough domination for 10 consecutive rounds.

Unlike his prior fights that showcased Haney’s athleticism and skill, in this fight the Las Vegas prizefighter unleashed the raw warrior side and it was a wake-up call for potential foes.

Haney was in stalking mode from the opening bell despite the rough and awkward Ndongeni’s style. Whether it was countering wide punches or connecting with bludgeoning body shots Haney was in complete control.

A short right cross floored Ndongeni in the second round and showed that Haney wasn’t looking to play it safe. He was in a search-and-destroy gear for the entire 10 rounds.

Ndongeni was hurt in various points of the fight, especially from a barrage of body shots in the fifth round. But the South African survived through pure determination.

“I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” said Haney who is ranked in the top 20. “You don’t get to be 25-0 and be easy.”

But despite the toughness of Ndongeni it was all Haney who looked like a modern day version of Sugar Ray Robinson with that blend of skill and killer instinct not often seen from undefeated fighters today. He was especially impressive with a savage body attack in the second half of the fight.

After 10 rounds two judges scored it 100-89 twice and 99-90 for Haney.

What’s next for Haney?

“I don’t turn down anybody. I’m willing to fight anybody,” said Haney. “I’m a bleeping contender. I want those top guys.”

Villa wins too

Ruben Villa (15-0, 5 KOs) dominated Colombia’s Ruben Cervera (10-1, 9 KOs) in a battle of undefeated featherweights to win by unanimous decision after eight rounds.

The southpaw from Salinas, California won every round with his speed, footwork and precision punches against the hard-nosed, heavy handed Cervera. But the Colombian fighter just couldn’t find the Californian enough.

For Villa it was his first chance to show American television viewers a glimpse of his capabilities. Until Friday night, most of his fights have been held in Southern California on Thompson Boxing Promotion fights. But he’s following in the footsteps of other very successful fighters from that small but influential promotional group.

Will Villa be their next successful star?

In a heavyweight clash Cuba’s Frank Sanchez (11-0, 9 KOs) won by knockout over Willie Jake (8-2-1) at 2:59 of the second round. After one round of action problems with the ring ropes stopped the fight for more than 15 minutes. Then when the fight resumed in the second round a short volley ended with Jake slumping in the corner from what looked like ineffective blows. He did not get up for more than a few minutes.

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