Devin Haney: ‘A Fight With Lomachenko Definitely Excites Me’

American Devin Haney rendered another boxing masterclass while defeating local fan favorite George Kambosos Jr. by decision in the rematch held on October 16th (15th in the United States) at the Rod Laver Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.

Kambosos (20-2-0, 10 KOs) could do little against Haney (29-0-0, 15 KOs), who with his skills and precise striking, silenced the thousands of spectators who attended the fight, almost all in support of their countryman Kambosos.

The scores of the three judges ratified what happened in the ring from start to finish. Pole Leszek

Jakowiak (119-109) saw Haney win 11 rounds, while Canadian Craig Metcalfe and Spaniard Manuel Oliver Palomo (both 118-110) gave the Australian boxer two rounds.

The victory allowed the 23-year-old Haney, born in San Francisco, CA and based in Las Vegas, NV, to retain the four 135-pound belts which have been in his possession since June 5th (4th in the US), when he was victorious over Kambosos the first time, also by unanimous vote.

Although he suffered a cut on the right side of his face during the eighth round, Haney showed greater versatility than Kambosos Jr. This time, in addition to his jab, Haney landed his right hand with great consistency, thanks to a perfect command of distance and an exquisitely crafted tactical plan.

Haney’s repeated impacts to the face caused injuries under Kambosos Jr.’s left eye and also above his right ear; injuries that bled profusely from the middle of the fight until the closing of the action.

After the fight and while still in the ring, Kambosos Jr. recognized the quality of Haney: “He is a great boxer, very elusive. He taught me a lesson. He is one of the best in boxing and not just in this division. I think he is in the top five pound for pound.”

Although in previous statements, Kambosos Jr. had expressed that if he lost. he would hang up the gloves, he now claimed that it was not the end of his career, because he gave it his best and proved that he had a lot of heart.

Haney praised his opponent’s performance: “He’s a warrior. I take my hat off to George Kambosos and all the Australian fans that came out. Thank you guys for giving me so much hospitality here.

“I knew that he was looking for the jab. So my team wanted me to show other tools in my arsenal. My dad wanted me to throw the hook more. But I feel that the right hand was what won me the fight tonight.”

Asked if he wants to face Ukrainian Vasily Lomachenko next or fellow American star Gervonta “El Tanque” Davis – two of the best fighters at 135 pounds – Haney gave a vague answer.

“We take on all comers. No matter who it is, we want to fight the best fighters in the world. I believe I’m the best fighter in the world. Whoever is next, bring him on!”

However, it is public knowledge that there have been talks for months about a duel between him and Lomachenko. And a day before emerging victorious in the rematch, Haney was more precise.

“A fight with Lomachenko definitely excites me,” Haney told Boxing Scene.com. “It’s a fight that all starts with a win October 15th. Once I win my fight and if he wins his fight, we’ll just have to see what’s next.”

Located in the top rankings of the WBC and the WBO in the lightweight category, Lomachenko (16-2-0, 11 KOs) will compete against Jamaine Ortiz (16-0 -1, 8 KOs) on October 29 at the Hulu Theater in the legendary Madison Square Garden.

A victory for Lomachenko – as predicted by most boxing experts and fans – will open the doors for the 34-year-old Ukrainian to be Haney’s mandatoamaine Ortízry challenger in a fight that lovers of the discipline have repeatedly requested.

Article submitted by Jorge Juan Alvarez in Spanish.

Please note any adjustments made were for clarification purposes and any errors in translation were unintentional.

Photo credit: Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images

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