Devin Haney vs. Vasiliy Lomachenko | ESPN PPV - May 20, 2023

[Ruthless-RKO]

Devin Haney: Vasiliy Lomachenko is next if the deal makes sense

Devin Haney and Vasiliy Lomachenko seem to be on the same page for an undisputed clash next year.

Vasiliy Lomachenko took a final step toward a clash with undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney tonight, winning a tough fight with Jamaine Ortiz, which was meant to be the final hurdle.

With both Haney (29-0, 15 KO) and Lomachenko (17-2, 11 KO) under Top Rank contract, it’s the biggest fight available for either, and really is the biggest fight available at 135 lbs right now, at least that can actually possibly be made, since Gervonta Davis — arguably a bigger star than either — won’t be fighting either one of them next.

The two shared the ring after, with Haney saying he’s ready for the fight, and Lomachenko saying again that he’s ready to do whatever needs to be done to make the fight. He has said repeatedly that Haney is, indeed, the A-side, and that he needs the fight more than Haney does right now.

Haney added on Twitter that the fight will be next “if it makes sense,” and one figures it will, since it’s an easy-to-make, in-house fight:



Haney also called the 117-111 Lomachenko card in Saturday’s fight “outrageous,” and agreed with Shakur Stevenson that a fight between the two of them is “the big one,” to which he attached the “bag of money” emoji.



In theory, Top Rank could also do Haney vs Stevenson instead of Haney vs Lomachenko, but the plan has clearly been to set up Haney vs Lomachenko. Devin just fought on Oct. 15, beating George Kambosos Jr a second time, and the timing and everything else lines up for the Lomachenko fight.

As for when that might happen, the spring of 2023 would be a good guess, somewhere between March and May.

[DrDuke]

Haney is more likely to win. His style is textbook, his workrate is big enough, he'll outbox Lomachenko behind the jab and combinations. The size advantage will help him in boxing from the distance. Lomachenko is more ingenious and agile, but he'll need to work aggressively to win this, what he won't do.

[gilgamesh]

I'd take Haney on this one. Should be a brilliant technical boxing match though.

[apollo creed]

Loma is past and small. Haney would win this by UD.

[margaret thatcher]

dev wins easy

[Gran Hermano]

Don’t think anybody beats Haney below 147.

[AngryGoon38]

In that LiL in ring interview after the Loma-Ortiz bout, Haney looked several inches taller than Loma.
Loma briefly joked that he saw Haney as Looking like A Heavyweight. I guess his point was that he Abundantly Notices the Profound size difference. Loma is always listed at 5'7 but I always think that he's really actually 5' 6 and A quarter inch.
Haney is listed at 5'9, but I think that That's Actually an under-estimation. He's more likely 5'9 and three quarters.
We're talking about 3 and a half inches of height difference, plus not to mention the obvious Huge Reach difference.
Loma has that T-Rex reach. 65". Haney has a Listed 72" reach. Which could very well be actually more like 74".
Also, Haney while in the ring that night, while talking with Loma, was probably weighing a good 155 Lbs or so/thereabouts.
Haney Could Easily campaign at 147 and be formidable at that weight. He'd still look cut and ripped at 147.
Loma Could Easily drop back down to 130. Heck, even 126 without Major issues.
I'd Much rather see Haney vs the winner of Tank vs Garcia.
I'd Much rather see Haney move up to 140 and take on Taylor, or Catteral, or Teo Lopez, or even Prograis.
I'd Much rather see Loma drop back down to 130 and take on Shakur.
Heck, I'd Much rather see Loma drop all the way back down to 126, and try to make a bout vs the bantam champ Inoue. Maybe a 124 lb catchweight showdown..?

[Sweet Dick Willie]

Before the war I don't recall the majority giving Haney a chance against Loma. What has happened since then, is it just Haney mayweathering through Kambosos twice that makes him the favorite? Yes Loma didn't look the best version of himself against Ortiz but he had been through some stuff lately and Ortiz has a horrible style. Nakatani (5'11 btw) and Commey were easy work for him and the level of Haney's opposition hasn't been much better. Haney is a huge lightweight but huge was Joshua compared to Lomas bestie Usyk...

[Ruthless-RKO]

Before the war I don't recall the majority giving Haney a chance against Loma. What has happened since then, is it just Haney mayweathering through Kambosos twice that makes him the favorite? Yes Loma didn't look the best version of himself against Ortiz but he had been through some stuff lately and Ortiz has a horrible style. Nakatani (5'11 btw) and Commey were easy work for him and the level of Haney's opposition hasn't been much better. Haney is a huge lightweight but huge was Joshua compared to Lomas bestie Usyk...

It's true.. Not many like or backed Haney.. But as the fights have gone on, he's being respected more..

[Thomastearns]

In that LiL in ring interview after the Loma-Ortiz bout, Haney looked several inches taller than Loma.
Loma briefly joked that he saw Haney as Looking like A Heavyweight. I guess his point was that he Abundantly Notices the Profound size difference. Loma is always listed at 5'7 but I always think that he's really actually 5' 6 and A quarter inch.
Haney is listed at 5'9, but I think that That's Actually an under-estimation. He's more likely 5'9 and three quarters.
We're talking about 3 and a half inches of height difference, plus not to mention the obvious Huge Reach difference.
Loma has that T-Rex reach. 65". Haney has a Listed 72" reach. Which could very well be actually more like 74".
Also, Haney while in the ring that night, while talking with Loma, was probably weighing a good 155 Lbs or so/thereabouts.
Haney Could Easily campaign at 147 and be formidable at that weight. He'd still look cut and ripped at 147.
Loma Could Easily drop back down to 130. Heck, even 126 without Major issues.
I'd Much rather see Haney vs the winner of Tank vs Garcia.
I'd Much rather see Haney move up to 140 and take on Taylor, or Catteral, or Teo Lopez, or even Prograis.
I'd Much rather see Loma drop back down to 130 and take on Shakur.
Heck, I'd Much rather see Loma drop all the way back down to 126, and try to make a bout vs the bantam champ Inoue. Maybe a 124 lb catchweight showdown..?

Great post.

The days of Loma playing David to Haney's Goliath seem to be well behind him now.

If Loma wanted the money he should have took on Kambosos before Haney stole the chance.

His token gesture in enlisting against the Russians may have ultimately cost him a king's ransom and achieved nothing.

[margaret thatcher]

Don’t think anybody beats Haney below 147.

i'd take shak over him, i think he's the premier talent. they have a sparring session online that is an interesting watch

[margaret thatcher]

Before the war I don't recall the majority giving Haney a chance against Loma. What has happened since then, is it just Haney mayweathering through Kambosos twice that makes him the favorite? Yes Loma didn't look the best version of himself against Ortiz but he had been through some stuff lately and Ortiz has a horrible style. Nakatani (5'11 btw) and Commey were easy work for him and the level of Haney's opposition hasn't been much better. Haney is a huge lightweight but huge was Joshua compared to Lomas bestie Usyk...

that is the caveat for me in going all out on haney winning.....maybe the war situation put loma off his game and he'll turn uup much better next time. not sure that would even be enough though

[Sweet Dick Willie]

His token gesture in enlisting against the Russians may have ultimately cost him a king's ransom and achieved nothing.

F off

[Bandog]

After reading some of the comments, I think its a good thing no one ever told Pac or Mike Tyson they're too short to be successful.

Haney is 5'8"
Kombosis is 5'9"
Loma is 5'7"
Shak is 5'7"

Top boxers will find a way to overcome an inch or two disadvantage in height and reach.

I think Loma did the honorable thing for his country and doubt he regrets it.

[margaret thatcher]

71 to 65 ....ya, really just an inch or two in reach

it's not just the length though, loma is a narrow arse dude compared to most light weights. haney fought at light welter at 17, loma was still at 126 in his late 20s and never been higher than light. size isnt the only factor but it's defo one of them, not sure why you've been so butt stung over people mentioning it

[AngryGoon38]

After reading some of the comments, I think its a good thing no one ever told Pac or Mike Tyson they're too short to be successful.

Haney is 5'8"
Kombosis is 5'9"
Loma is 5'7"
Shak is 5'7"

Top boxers will find a way to overcome an inch or two disadvantage in height and reach.

I think Loma did the honorable thing for his country and doubt he regrets it.

If Haney is 5'8 then Loma is 5'4-1/2.

[Bandog]

After reading some of the comments, I think its a good thing no one ever told Pac or Mike Tyson they're too short to be successful.

Haney is 5'8"
Kombosis is 5'9"
Loma is 5'7"
Shak is 5'7"

Top boxers will find a way to overcome an inch or two disadvantage in height and reach.

I think Loma did the honorable thing for his country and doubt he regrets it.

If Haney is 5'8 then Loma is 5'4-1/2.

Camera angle, shoes, etc. Maybe poor Loma should just quit then, all the big bullies picking on him? Please...

I didn't make up their heights. It's what their teams report. Who gives af.

[margaret thatcher]

you obviously give af since you keep posting about it, why does it bother you so much that people say he's small

[Counter-puncher]

Don’t think anybody beats Haney below 147.

i'd take shak over him, i think he's the premier talent. they have a sparring session online that is an interesting watch

I think Shak is better on the inside and the southpaw thing will fck with Haney’s jabbing game, but if Haney could consistently keep it long he’d win. Plus I think he is that bit bigger FWIW (Haney that is)

It is doubtless academic anyway as obviously it’s boxing so they won’t fight but they’re blatantly both very very high level and not much splits them if at all; I do think the stars aren’t quite aligned in timing and weight terms

[Bandog]

Don’t think anybody beats Haney below 147.

i'd take shak over him, i think he's the premier talent. they have a sparring session online that is an interesting watch

I think Shak is better on the inside and the southpaw thing will fck with Haney’s jabbing game, but if Haney could consistently keep it long he’d win. Plus I think he is that bit bigger FWIW (Haney that is)

It is doubtless academic anyway as obviously it’s boxing so they won’t fight but they’re blatantly both very very high level and not much splits them if at all; I do think the stars aren’t quite aligned in timing and weight terms

Yeah, as Shak has mentioned, they have a good amount of respect for each other and always seem to be a weight apart. I would expect that to continue.

[margaret thatcher]

[Bandog]

Personally, I have a hard time watching amateurs, especially sparring with head gear. 7 yrs ago? Both have progressed since then. I'd be inclined to pick Shak over Haney in a close decision, mainly because he's a bit better on defence, and is a southpaw.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Bill Haney “Optimistic” Fight Takes Place

“He might have got buzzed,” said Bill Haney to AKhi TV about Vasyl Lomachenko in his fight against Jamaine Ortiz last weekend.

“Loma, [got hurt] a couple of times, but he’s a hell of a warrior. He lost a few rounds, and I saw where he stepped on the gas against Ortiz.

“Ortiz will play the fight back, and they might say that was the changing point in the fight because that’s when you step back on the gas on Loma.

“He took over from there. They’ve [Team Lomachenko] have let us know that they have every intention of making what’s right to make this fight happen. Bob [Arum] has said he’s doing everything to make sure this fight happens as well.

“We have all the support backed by ESPN, and I’m nothing but optimistic about this fight happening. We’re all working together as a team, both Lomachenko’s team and Devin’s team, Top Rank, are working hand in hand to deliver this event at someplace that’s going to be spectacular.

“It’s a true legacy fight for both young men, and I’m just happy to be a part of it. I’m just happy to be in the Devin Haney business and to be a part of something that is going to be so historic.

“Being in the Devin Haney business, I listen a little bit closer than everybody else. What does that mean?” said Bill in reaction to Lomachenko telling Haney that he resembled a “heavyweight” when the two spoke after the fight inside the ring.

“I heard [from Lomachenko], ‘I need a little bit of time, but I’ll be ready.’ Dev wants the biggest and best fights. If the people don’t believe a fighter is ready and the fighter doesn’t believe he’s ready, then the next person can raise his hand.

“I haven’t heard nothing from nobody, but maybe Lomachenko is the best guy? I don’t know,” said Bill Haney

[Ruthless-RKO]

Devin Haney reportedly in talks to face Vasiliy Lomachenko, Shakur Stevenson vs Isaac Cruz ordered as WBC final eliminator

The WBC’s annual convention reveals the likely plans for several fighters in the lightweight division

There’s been a lot of breaking news coming out of the WBC’s annual convention, the latest of which are reports that undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney is in talks to put his belts on the line against Vasiliy Lomachenko.

Additionally, the WBC have ordered Shakur Stevenson to face Isaac Cruz in a final eliminator bout for the WBC’s lightweight world title, which will be in the possession of the Haney vs Lomachenko winner.

A fight between Haney and Lomachenko won’t come as a surprise to most as it’s been essentially alluded to already, evidenced by Haney’s appearance at Lomachenko’s most recent post-fight interview following his win over Jamaine Ortiz.

Should this fight come off, Lomachenko will have the biggest opportunity of his career to gain undisputed status, although it will be happening at a point in his career where many are beginning to question whether or not Lomachenko is already on the slide while fighting above his optimal weight.

As for Stevenson, a win over Cruz will put him right in line for a shot at a major world title in a new weight class, having already won belts at 126 and 130, but Cruz has proven to be a game fighter who’s not going to just lay down in awe of Stevenson’s talent.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Bob Arum Hopes To Televise Haney-Lomachenko On ESPN, Not On Pay-Per-View

Bob Arum remains confident that Devin Haney will defend his four lightweight titles versus Vasiliy Lomachenko in his next fight.

The teams for both boxers have led their promoter to believe Haney-Lomachenko can be scheduled for before Ramadan begins March 22. Haney is a devout Muslim, therefore the 12-round bout between Haney (29-0, 15 KOs), of Henderson, Nevada, and Ukraine’s Lomachenko (17-2, 11 KOs) must take place either before the Muslim month for fasting, prayer and reflection starts or after it ends April 21.

“Loma wants that fight next,” Arum told Boxing Scene. “Egis [Klimas, Lomachenko’s manager] wants the fight next. And Bill Haney wants to do that fight.”

Arum also is confident that his company, Top Rank Inc., will have enough money available in its 2023 budget to televise Haney-Lomachenko live on ESPN, rather than making it a pay-per-view event.

“My hope is to do as few fights on pay-per-view as possible,” Arum said, “because I really believe that putting these fights on pay-per-view is not a wise thing to do. Now, other people might find difficulty in this. It’s not a wise thing to do because people aren’t buying the pay-per-views. And it costs a lot of money to do it. Even if the fighters don’t take guarantees, they hate you afterwards because they haven’t made money. I think that’s the problem Haymon is running into.”

The 90-year-old Arum alluded to Premier Boxing Champions’ Al Haymon having difficulty finalizing an agreement for the unbeaten welterweight champion Arum previously promoted, Terence Crawford, to face the undefeated, unified 147-pound champion Haymon represents, Errol Spence Jr. Crawford and Spence both have publicly acknowledged that they were willing to fight without guarantees and would’ve been paid strictly off percentages of the overall revenue from the event, primarily pay-per-view and ticket sales.

Whether it’s Crawford-Spence or other fighters, Arum considers the pay-per-view model harder to successfully utilize than ever.

“Piracy has an adverse effect surely on pay-per-view,” Arum said. “But I think, at least from what the cable companies and satellite providers tell us, that since the pandemic, people don’t want crowds in their house. They don’t wanna do big parties with 25 or 30 people. Before the pandemic, people used to use these pay-per-view events to entertain. And if they had even 20 people in their house to watch the pay-per-view, they wouldn’t think about pirating the signal because they wouldn’t wanna be embarrassed if it went down. So, they were willing to put up the money for the pay-per-view. Particularly with the Hispanics, that’s the way they entertained. And in many cases, they all pitched in for food and for the cost of the pay-per-view.

“But since the pandemic, people are reluctant to have large numbers of people congregate in their homes. And that’s what really killed the business, because you can’t think you can charge $70 for a guy who’s sitting at home to watch it. That doesn’t make any economic sense for anybody. Even if it’s $80, it’s nothing if you have 20 people. So, until we figure out how you present these events not on the traditional pay-per-view platform, but some other way, we’re always gonna fail.”