May 29, 2023 Source: Boxing Scene
Photo Source: Boxing Scene
Generally, Devin Haney is sporting a gigantic grin after the final bell rings. His smile, understandably, is due to the one-sided nature of his in-ring appearances. However, two weeks ago, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, the 24-year-old appeared concerned. On the night, Haney (30-0, 15 KOs) endured 12 arduous rounds against Vasiliy Lomachenko. Considering that the Ukrainian enjoyed enormous amounts of success, Haney was forced to sweat it out as the three judges sitting ringside handed in their scorecards.
Unnerved by the thought of his undisputed lightweight reign coming to an end, Haney was relieved when it was revealed that he was given the nod. Although he screamed, shouted, and pounded his chest in excitement, countless fans in attendance booed the result. Amongst them, even boxing’s biggest stars, including Shakur Stevenson, believe that Lomachenko was given a raw deal. Still, despite the public outcry, Haney appears to be ready to move forward with his career. Having struggled to make the lightweight limit for the past several years, Haney has concluded that the only way he’ll remain in the only division he’s ever known is if showdowns against either Gervonta Davis or Stevenson can come to fruition.
Personal reasons aside, Stevenson (20-0, 10 KOs) would usually jump at the opportunity to face Haney. However, the former Olympic silver medalist doesn't believe that it would be in Haney’s best interest to leave his unfinished business with Lomachenko unaccounted for. If the decision were his and his alone, the 25-year-old would urge his rival to make things right. If not, he could be providing his detractors with a plethora of ammunition to criticize him for years to come.
“If I were in his shoes, I would for sure run it back,” said Stevenson during an interview with The Fight Is Right. “Because I wouldn’t want the public to think this dude beat me. That’s gonna travel with him for the rest of his career.”
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