Nine TSS Writers Analyze the Haney-Lomachenko Fight

Las Vegas will play host to one of the most anticipated fights of the year on Saturday when unified lightweight champion Devin Haney squares off against former three-division title-holder Vasyl Lomachenko in a Top Rank promotion at the MGM Grand. Whenever a big fight comes down the pike, assuming the odds are not too lopsided, we turn to our ensemble of writers for their opinions. The panelists are listed alphabetically.

MATT ANDRZEJEWSKI — I believe Lomachenko was hesitant against Teofimo Lopez because Lomachenko had too much respect for the power of Lopez. I don’t think Lomachenko will respect Haney’s power. As such I think we see a fight play out similar to how we saw Lomachenko fight Gary Russell Jr. some nine years ago. Lomachenko starts slow and is maybe behind after three or four rounds before thoroughly taking over control of the fight. Lomachenko wide UD.

RICK ASSAD — Lomachenko is a master technician with lightning quick hands and amazing foot speed, but I can’t pick against Haney who is younger by slightly more than a decade with an almost six-inch reach advantage. I look for Haney to retain his flawless record by split decision in a potential ring classic

LUIS CORTES III — Youth versus experience. Mongoose-like speed and a piston-like jab versus beautiful footwork and combination punching on angles. I look for Loma to have some success getting inside Haney’s jab, which will lead to some heated exchanges and bright moments for him, but as the fight progresses, Haney’s bodywork and advantages in age and size will allow him to take control. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Haney trying to impose his underrated strength on Loma by fighting on the inside to go for an impressive stoppage, but if he can’t get it, he won’t press the issue and instead be content to win a unanimous decision.

BERNARD FERNANDEZ — If I were still convinced that Vasiliy Lomachenko is the same guy who made four straight quality opponents quit rather than futilely continue to look for ways to beat him, I’d pick him against the very capable Devin Haney. But I’m not sure that Loma is 100 percent intact. If he can’t still summon all or most of his former greatness, and I’m thinking that might not be the case, look for Haney to retain all his titles on a UD or majority decision.

JEEFREY FREEMAN — Vasyl Lomachenko has lost a step or two and it really showed against Jamaine Ortiz last year in New York. Devin Haney is younger, fresher and more motivated to win and so he will. Neither man is ever hurt in this competitive display of boxing. Haney by decision.

THOMAS HAUSER — Lomachenko is getting old. Haney hasn’t lived up to his promise. But he’s bigger and younger. Haney by decision.

ARNE LANG — Devin Haney has had more pro fights than Loma, but the Ukrainian has more mileage on his odometer and is at an age when skill erosion tends to manifest itself, especially in a man in a smaller weight class. A small lean to Haney in a tactical fight that goes the distance. In their last 10 fights combined, all 12-rounders, these two have mustered only one stoppage.

MATT McGRAIN — Haney will win. Too big and too fast. We might see the sorry sight of Lomachenko crashing out in what would have been one for the ages had the Ukrainian been anywhere near his prime. Lomachenko’s best chances lie in the often referenced but rarely visited deep waters that can sometimes be uncovered late in a fight, but I suspect Haney will be too in control of pacing for it to matter if they should go that late.

PHIL WOOLEVER — This would very likely be a very different story if these two had met prior to pandemic days, but Haney has shown he can adjust to a southpaw’s style and will stay busy and well-prepared enough to make his age advantage a factor that Lomachenko simply can’t overcome.

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