Devin “The Dream” Haney has often said that he tries to emulate the “Pretty Boy” Floyd portion of Mayweather’s successful career.
Last night, with his win over Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr., he proved just that.
AND STILL 🏆@RealDevinHaney retains his WBC title via unanimous decision. #HaneyDiaz pic.twitter.com/CllUQiVw0i
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) December 5, 2021
Haney outpointed Diaz for the unanimous decision victory under the Las Vegas lights at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The fight was live on the streaming app DAZN.
The 23-year-old Haney retained his WBC lightweight title, winning over the judges with scores of 117-111, 116-112, and 117-111. Haney showed superb technical ability, showcasing a stinging jab and sharp punching.
However, it was Haney’s ring generalship that was his crowning achievement. He showed Mayweather-esque catlike ability to beat Diaz to the punch and maneuver out of dangerous spots like ropes and hazardous exchanges.
All respect between Devin Haney and JoJo Diaz after the fight 🙌#HaneyDiazJr pic.twitter.com/bnpMkeWwD4
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 5, 2021
Haney (27-0, 15 KOs) was in some tough spots as Diaz stayed in the fight for all 12 rounds. In the last round, Diaz (32-2-1, 15 KOs) found luck with a succession of overhand left hands, with many finding their mark.
“We got into some great exchanges,” Haney said post-fight. “I wasn’t shy to exchange with him. I want to entertain the fans.”
However, the late run wasn’t good enough, and Haney kept his title and position as one of the lightweight kings of the division.
I’m ready!!! 🔪 #Alhamdulillah #TheDream pic.twitter.com/XyCqnxBFay
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) December 3, 2021
Haney had the added pressure of being considered a safe fighter who never took chances earlier in his career.
“He said he was going to bring the dog out of me, and that’s exactly what he did,” Haney added. “He hit me with some good shots. They say I have no chin, but I think I showed it in this fight.”
Especially with Teofimo Lopez losing his unified status against George Kambosos Jr., Haney faced the reality that upsetting the lightweight order was a possibility.
"Let's make it happen" 🤝
Devin Haney and George Kambosos Jr. are ready to go 🔥#HaneyDiazJr pic.twitter.com/YjlgODXQGv
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 5, 2021
“I saw many things,” said Kambosos. “I’ve been studying this guy for many years. I know exactly what I have to do if that fight is next.”
Now Haney has cued up a potential undisputed lightweight championship. Kambosos Jr. was ringside at the fight to size up his likely opponent, but he has options.
“It comes down to what excites me the most,” Kambosos said.
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For Kambosos, 28, the lightweight boxing world is now at his beck and call. Sunday’s lightweight bout between Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Isaac Cruz is for the WBA (Regular) lightweight championship.
Then Vasiliy Lomachenko faces Richard Commey next Saturday in New York, which is also an option. Kambosos is in control, and now the game moves to his beat. Regardless, he wants to fight in his homeland of Australia.
“I’ll go to Jupiter if I got to,” Haney said. “Come on, George Kambosos, let’s do it for all the belts. The real undisputed [champion]. Let’s do it next—no more dispute with who’s the WBC champion.
“I’m going to press for these [marquee] fights for as long as I can, but if these guys just won’t fight me, then I’ll go to 140 [pounds]. I want to test myself. I want to fight the so-called best fighters out there. I’m not ducking or dodging anybody.”
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