The WBC has continued to rank Vasiliy Lomachenko as their top-ranked fighter, despite the Ukrainian’s loss to Devin Haney.
The duo squared off on May 20th, 2023, for the undisputed lightweight titles in what was seen as Loma’s last chance to win all the belts.
While Haney walked away with a unanimous-decision victory, the boxing community was divided over the decision, with some feeling that the Ukrainian had been hard done by.
Vasyl Lomachenko has retained his position as the #1 contender is the new WBC lightweight rankings following his defeat to Devin Haney. Shakur Stevenson is #2 – so if Haney moves up to super-lightweight, the WBC would likely order Loma vs Shakur for the vacant belt.
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) May 25, 2023
So much so that Lomachenko’s manager, Egis Klimas, suggested that they would appeal the decision. With that being said, the ranking will be crucial for the following reasons.
If Haney were to vacate and move up to 140 lbs, then Lomachenko and Shakur Stevenson would face each other for the belt.
However, if Haney were to stay at 135 lbs, then then the WBC could make him face his mandatory in Stevenson if he did not face Loma or the regular WBA champion Gervonta Davis.
As such, the boxing fans had a mixed reaction to this.
Social Media Reaction
Why is Lomachenko #1 with the WBC when Shakur Stevenson's last fight was eliminator and Loma's last fight was a loss?
— Rob G (@RobertG27529556) May 26, 2023
WBC trying to make Shakur/Loma a Thing…
— Eastside Mike (@Mr10Pct) May 26, 2023
Shakur needs to be #1 ain’t nobody beating that man
— SEEJAY 👑 (@iswerve___) May 26, 2023