Devin Haney didn’t just defeat George Kambosos Jr., he embarrassed the Aussie in front of around 40,000 of his countryman Saturday (Sunday in Australia).
Haney had a simple, but oh-so-effective formula: Fight behind your jab, throw power shots when it’s safe to do so and either move or hold to avoid your opponent’s best shots.
The gifted 23-year-old from Las Vegas executed the plan brilliantly from beginning to end, as a frustrated, even baffled Kambosos could never find a way to turn the tables in his favor.
That left the hopeful crowd at Marvel Stadium silent much of the fight, as it couldn’t have more clear that their man was being outclassed.
Thus, no one was surprised that Haney won a wide decision: 116-112, 116-112 and 118-110. Boxing Junkie scored it 119-109 for Haney, 11 rounds to one.
Haney, only 23, now holds all four major 135-pound titles and can call himself the king of the division after his virtuoso performance.
Kambosos (20-1, 10 KOs) burst upon the international scene when he upset then-unbeaten pound-for-pounder Teofimo Lopez to become the undisputed champion in November in New York City.
That victory made the Sydney native a hero in his country, which made his title defense on home soil a massive event.
That fact must now be particularly painful for Kambosos, who went directly from a career-defining victory into one of the most-lopsided setbacks for champion as you’ll ever see.
The contract for the fight included a rematch clause, meaning Kambosos could force Haney (28-0, 15 KOs) to fight again. And he probably will demand it.
The question is: What could he possibly do to have his hand raised in a second fight?
He and his team would have several months to come up with a different plan of action. However, Haney appeared to be the far superior fighter. Better strategy might not be enough to even make a second fight competitive.
