Devin Haney had everything against him this Saturday. He traveled to Melbourne (Australia), the champion’s home, and without his usual corner due to visa problems (his father and coach was able to enter the country within 24 hours for the fight). He wasn’t affected at all. ‘The Dream’ gave a boxing recital. He risked little and dominated with simplicity. Georges Kambosos found himself unable to change the dynamicand the American was full of joy. At the age of 23, he was proclaimed undisputed lightweight champion (WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO) by unanimous decision (116-112, 116-112 and 118-110). The future looked promising for him, but no, it is now a reality. His dream was fulfilled at Marvel Stadium before 41,129 fans.
Haney’s plan was simple on paper, but as usual the execution is what’s complicated… although not for him. His jab was a hammer throughout the fight for Kambosos, unable to link actions with several consecutive blows. When the Australian wanted to get into distance he found himself with the American’s leading hand and If the distance got closer, he would put his greatest weight on top to have an advantage and stop the fight. The plan had some cracks, as was logical. When the powerful hands came, which were not many, Devin withstood them without problem.
Kambosos was all heart, he didn’t give up and try… but the momentum was not enough. Haney controlled him and from the eighth round, at certain moments, he put more legs into his boxing to avoid slowing down the pace so much. He wasn’t a fixed target, he caused more misses and looked even better with his dodges. Meanwhile, in attack he was useful with counterpunches and the jab. It was minimalist, but it served him because the strategy fed back. The Australian saw himself losing, he had to press, he did and left a greater number of holes, perfect to hit there. The night seemed perfect for the visitor, but in Australia you never know with cards. There was no surprise this time. The dance of the undisputed lightweight championship continues. From Lomachenko it went to Teófimo, then Kambosos took it and now it belongs to Haney. Who will be next? There is a revenge clause, which the Australian wants to make effective, but it is not what motivates the public the most. Gervonta is the fight we all want… we will have to see if the fighter also claims it with his new status.