MGM Grand, Las Vegas:
When George Kambosos beat Teofimo Lopez last weekend at Madison Square Garden, he flipped the script for the entire lightweight division. And now after another unanimous decision win, is Haney – Kambosos next. Devin Haney may have had a handshake deal with Lopez, and a wink with Kambosos for unifications; but in seven days time two other fighters will have a say in it.
With the newly minted champion sitting ringside, he witnessed a Haney that continues to improve. Does he have lights out power? No. Is his hand speed something to be amazed at? Also no. But what Haney has is a complete skill set. It was the ability to keep a tough Joseph Diaz at the end of his punches and his very good footwork that helped secure him the 117-111 2x, 116-112 decision. Along with being able to mix things up in murky water when needed.
The fight was competitive but the eye test proved it to be a bit lop-sided. Haney out-landed Diaz in total punches 164-140. “The Dream” controlled the rounds overall, with the dog in Diaz launching a flurry or two per round. But it was far from enough to win them. Haney also showed he could land effectively backing up, although that’s something you don’t want to do.
Much like in the Jorge Linares fight, Haney got clipped, and had to figure out a way to battle through. Although a two-division champion, it kind of gives Diaz here the “always a bridesmaid, never a bride” role. He can beat the mid-tiers and hang with the elite. However beating the best at 135 is another story.
Is Haney – Kambosos Next
The 23-year old was put through his toughest fight. The “baptism by fire” that boxers need. When the shorter Diaz tried getting inside, Haney cracked him. He showed a really good jab and a solid uppercut as well. However, if Haney gets the nod to face Kambosos next, there’s a hole that needs to be addressed. The fact that left hands keep finding a home on Haney’s face and body. Because that’s a key cog in Kambosos’ arsenal. Although he doesn’t hit as hard as others in the division. Haney’s chin was questioned by some, and after the fight he said:
“He hit me with some good shots. They all say I have no chin, but I think I showed it in this fight. Come on Kambosos. Let’s do it for all the belts. The real undisputed. Lets do it next. I’ll go to Jupiter if I’ve got to”.
In reference to the fact Kambosos wants his next fight at home in Australia in front of 80,000 at an outdoor stadium. Of course Covid-19 restrictions may have a say in all this.
The champ is making his way from Vegas, to the Staples Center tomorrow night to watch Gervonta Davis make his claim for the fight. There’s no word yet if next Saturday will return to New York to watch Vasiliy Lomachenko and Richard Commey take their swings.
If money is the sole reasoning, “Tank” is the way to go. However, Davis has the most firepower. If it’s gather every belt and leave no doubt, Haney should get the shot. And being both are promoted by Eddie Hearn, it’ll be the easiest fight to make. But if it’s a legacy thing, then Lomachenko would be the best fight.
