LIVE: Devin Haney delivers a boxing masterclass as he BEATS George Kambosos Jr via unanimous decision to become undisputed lightweight champion of the world… but ‘Ferocious’ promises ‘I’ll seen you again real soon’
When Devin Haney made his professional debut, aged 17, he was too young to obtain a boxing licence in America. The year was 2015. He travelled to Tijuana, Mexico, needing just a single round to dispatch of the little-known Gonzalo Lopez Rodriguez. ‘The Dream’ would be 4-0 by the time he competed on home soil.
Less than seven years later, coming far, far sooner than either he or Bill, his father and trainer, could have ever anticipated, the 23-year-old now stands alone as the face of the lightweight division. One name, one champion: for the first time since 1990 – and the first time ever in the four-belt era – the 135lb division has an undisputed champion.
It comes following an historic night at the Marvel Stadium, Australia, as over 50,000 fight-hungry fans welcomed their newfound hero George Kambosos Jr home, in what was the biggest fight Down Under since Jeff Horn defeated Manny Pacquiao in 2017, arguably the biggest fight Down Under of all time.
Devin Haney became undisputed lightweight champion with victory over George Kambosos Jr
The American dazzled from start to finish, defeating the Australian via unanimous decision
Written on Kambosos Jr’s back are the words ‘never retreat never surrender’. It’s the Spartan War Chant the Aussie hero – born to parents of Greek descent – lives and swears by. And indeed, he was game from start to finish.
But Haney, who becomes the youngest undisputed champion in the four-belt era with a unanimous decision win – with two scores of 116-112 and one of 118-110 – was simply too good on the night, with his hand speed and footwork utterly electric.
Aged just 23, ‘The Dream’ – already the holder of the WBC belt – adds the WBA, WBO and IBF titles to his now full collection, one which puts him in full control of the lightweight division.
Though gracious in defeat, Kambosos Jr, 28, after suffering just the first defeat of his 21-fight career, insisted he will activate a contractually-agreed rematch clause, with a second bout between the pair to come later this year.
The fight, which took place in Australia following Kambosos Jr’s shock victory over Teofimo last year to become unified champion, was unusually held in the afternoon for those Down Under, making it prime time television for those in the United States.
More to follow….
Re-live Sportsmail’s live blog for updates on the undisputed lightweight title fight between George Kambosos Jr and Devin Haney.
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