American Devin Haney remains the undisputed lightweight boxing champion after yesterday outclassing former titleholder George Kambosos Jr yet again in Melbourne.
Despite sustaining a cut on the right side of his face during the eighth round, the 23-year-old Haney was dominant while claiming a unanimous points decision over the Australian.
The unbeaten American has won 29 fights, 15 of them by knockout, and has unified the WBA, IBF, WBO and The Ring lightweight belts.
Photo: AFP
Haney outpointed Kambosos — who claimed the four titles in an upset win over Teofino Lopez at Madison Square Garden in November last year — in Melbourne in June when claiming the lightweight belts for the first time.
Haney proved to be the better boxer again with another victory over Kambosos, who sustained cuts under his left eye and above his right ear which left him bloodied late in the fight.
Haney’s left jab was the difference in the first fight, but he demonstrated his versatility when using his right hand to great effect in their second meeting.
A decisive victor, Haney was awarded a 118-109 verdict by one judge, while the other two rated him a 118-110 victor.
“I went in there and knew he was looking to the jab. We wanted to show some more tools in my arsenal. I think the right hand won the fight tonight,” Haney said. “He is a warrior. I take my hat off to George Kambosos and all the Australians who came out.”
A second straight defeat raises questions about the future of the 29-year-old boxer known as “Ferocious” Kambosos, who fell to a 20-2 record with the loss.
Kambosos said in the lead-in to their second fight that he would retire if beaten by Haney again, although he later walked back on that statement.
He said it “was not the end” after the loss when praising Haney.
“He is a great fighter. For me, to have the guts to go again with him. He gave me a good boxing lesson in the first round,” he said. “He is a slick man. I gave my best. I tried my heart out tonight, but this guy is going to be there for a long time.”
“I gave him a great challenge. A great fight over 24 rounds. He is one of the best in the world in boxing, not just this division,” he added.
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