Haney beats Lomachenko in ‘robbery’
Devin Haney defeated Vasiliy Lomachenko to retain his undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO lightweight world titles – but fans watching in the arena and at home were not happy.
A cascade of boos rained down from the crowd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas when the judges’ decision was read out, while social media was alight with cries of “robbery”.
The judges scored it 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 to the 24-year-old American, after Ukraine’s Lomachenko rallied in the later rounds to leave many thinking he had done enough.
“Lomachenko is a future Hall of Famer, it was a blessing. I got to take my hat off to him, he was my toughest opponent by far, he’s very crafty and we put on a great fight for the fans,” Haney said after extending his undefeated record to 30-0.
It was a razor-close match-up. Haney swept the 12th round, according to the judges – had he not, two of the scores would have been 114-114, resulting in a majority draw
Lomachenko (17-3), who has held titles in three weight classes, kept his head held high in a postfight interview in the ring, but it was later buried in a towel as he cried backstage.
The 35-year-old, who spent a year defending his country after the Russian invasion, said: “I don’t want to talk about this [decision], all people saw what happened today. I think I showed I can beat any boxer, now I’m in good shape. See you next time.”
Shakur Stevenson could be next for Haney, should the champ decide to stay at 135 pounds – but the American was not impressed with what he saw from ringside.
“Lomachenko should be undisputed champion, he won,” Stevenson said. “He won that fight. He landed the cleaner punches, the cleaner shots, he pushed the pace.”
Billy Haney, Devin’s father and coach, shut down any talk of the judges getting it wrong.
“Man is imperfect, but we’re happy with [the decision],” he said. “Devin went through the fire and got Mr Lomachenko, didn’t he? I’m ecstatic, I’m a happy dad.
“I think this cements him even closer to being a pound-forpound great in the sport.”