Devin Haney entered enemy territory last night as he travelled to George Kambosos Jr's native country of Australia to beccome the undisputed ruler of the lightweight division. Haney arrived in the Australia with the WBC title, where as Kambosos Jr held the IBF, WBA and WBO titles coming in to this titanic bout.
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The build up was not short of controversy, as Haney's father, who is a hugely prominent figure in Haney's corner at all his fights, was denied a visa to enter Australia in the weeks leading up to the fight. However, the decision was overturned at the final hour, and Haney's father would arrive in Australia just in time to be in his son's corner.
The weigh in also sparked controversy, as Kambosos Jr initially weighed 0.36lbs over the lightweight limit. However, Kambosos Jr comfortably made weight within the prescribed two hours, and but it down to perception, stating that he might have done it on purpose, continuing the psychological warfare.
In the fight, Haney nullified Kambosos Jr's work from the get-go. Haney got behind his jab early on and controlled the range. Kambosos Jr would have success in the early rounds, but not enough as Haney's class was prevailing.
It was round five when Kambosos Jr tried to implement a more offensive output, but Haney answered this with a slick uppercut. Haney then got back behind his jab and controlled the pace.
Round nine saw Kambosos Jr find success as he began to land more punches, slowing down Haney's momentum. As the pair got up close, Haney went down, but it was ruled a slip. Swelling began to appear over Haney's right eye but he didn't let it get to him.
The final three rounds were similar in many ways to the first couple with Haney dominating with his jab and not allowing Kambosos Jr to get back in the fight, as the final bell sounded, everyone was pretty sure it would be Haney walking out with all the belts. Haney's fortune was confirmed as the score cards read 118-110 and 116-112×2.
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— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) June 5, 2022
Haney expresed his delight following victory: "This is a dream come true.
"I was comfortable. I was sticking to the game plan, the game plan was to go in and hit and not get hit and I did that for the majority of the fight.
"I took the last round off because I knew I was comfortably ahead, but I fought a good, smart fight."
Kambosos Jr confirmed he wants a rematch: "I want to take the best test, the hardest test and I'm going to give him full respect for his victory and let him have his time.
"We'll do it again. I have to implement a few things but I thought the fight was very close."