Devin Haney, Vasiliy Lomachenko Begin Negotiations For Undisputed Title Fight
Lomachenko was supposed to get a title shot at former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr, but Devin Haney took his place and now he's the undisputed titleholder.
Devin Haney and Vasiliy Lomachenko are working on an anticipated matchup — just less than two weeks since coming face-to-face in the ring.
Top Rank confirmed that negotiations between the two lightweight contenders have gone underway.
Haney appeared beside Lomachenko in the ring after the latter pulled out a unanimous decision victory against tough Jamaine Ortiz on October 29 at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden.
Boxing fans argued that though Lomachenko was the heavy favorite going into the fight, Ortiz had chipped away at that by each round. In the beginning of the bout, it looked like Ortiz would upset the veteran boxer as he utilized his speed and aggressiveness.
But Lomachenko was able to rally back with strategically placed blows that were enough to put him ahead on the scorecards.
After the fight, Haney said that he wasn’t that impressed with the Ukrainian’s performance.
“I think it wasn’t the best performance, but I know if me and Loma were to fight, we’d see a better version on the night. Congratulations, and hopefully we can get it on,” Haney said at the time, standing just less than an arm’s length away from Lomachenko.
“I’m ready for any option,” Lomachenko added.
“… He’s a tough fighter that’s why he’s an undisputed champion.”
Haney most recently defeated George Kambosos Jr for the second time in Australia last month.