Top Rank Boxing: MGM Grand Garden Arena; Las Vegas
Although he chose not to verbally show his displeasure immediately post-fight; you know what was on Vasiliy Lomachenko‘s mind. And will it be the last time he faces Devin Haney? Probably not. At least you should hope not. Because of how good it turned out. But now Devin Haney is in a tough spot. He was more offensive than in the past landing 41% of his power shots, and his body work was nearly spot on, however, he can still be broken. There’s holes that can be seen by Helen Keller.
We can’t honestly call the 116-112, 115-113 2x unanimous decision a “robbery”. There was no gross inept judging this time. Each round is its own fight, it’s not a totality. However all three-judges got this wrong. Lomachenko darting footwork early made the adjustment to punch his way inside with a left hand that wouldn’t quit. It swiped Haney’s jab and timing, but Haney adjusted mid-rounds to that defensively. It was the protoypical high stakes back and forth fight fans like.
Devin Haney Is In A Tough Spot… Does He Stay Or Go?
The relationship between a father and son is everything. The relationship between coach and fighter is huge. It’s important to keep your fighter pumped by saying you’re ahead. But the job done by Bill Haney is piss-poor. It might be time for a change. Especially now. Haney needs some brutal honesty in his ear, and someone that can put a spotlight on his tools and work on his downsides. Like successfully fighting on his back foot, and for the love of god; head movement.
If Haney stays at 135 only the alphabet organizations can mandate he fights someone low in the rankings too far from a legit title shot. Otherwise if he fights Shakur Stevenson next, he’s in trouble. The young Newark, New Jersey native is the brightest star in the division. Lomachenko pushed the pace, and Stevenson can do that times ten. Even someone like an Isaac Cruz can floor “The Dream” with his power.
Let’s take Gervonta Davis out of the running. That fight won’t happen for a multitude of reasons; starting with promoters, and networks. But not a doubt now that “Tank” steamrolls him. They run this fight back and the undisputed champion might not get favorable judging. Although he might take this win and say no more needs to be proven versus him.
If he like Teofimo Lopez, heads to 140 it might be better for his body size. But it won’t be good for his body lookwise. Because there’s more power up there, and we just saw a small taste of what happens when someone with a left hand can get inside his reach.
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