Junto Nakatani, Kosei Tanaka and Takuma Inoue delivered impressive victories Saturday in Japan.
Japanese fighters had a big night Saturday in Tokyo.
Junto Nakatani, Kosei Tanaka and Takuma Inoue all took significant steps in their careers by delivering convincing victories at Kokugikan Arena.
Nakatani (27-0, 20 KOs) knocked out Alexandro Santiago (28-4-5, 14 KOs) in six rounds to take the Mexican’s IBF 118-pound title, giving Nakatani a major belt in a third division.
Nakatani controlled the fight from the outset, outclassing the new champion. Santiago had upset Nonito Donaire to win the WBC belt in his previous fight.
Tanaka left no doubt that he was the better man against Christian Bacasegua, winning a one-sided decision to capture a vacant 115-pound title. He’s now a four-division titlist in only 21 fights.
Bacasegua (22-5-2, 9 KOs) got off to a strong start but Tanaka (20-1, 11 KOs) found a grove around the third round and never looked back.
And Inoue (19-1, 5 KOs), the younger brother of Naoya Inoue, knocked out former beltholder Jerwin Ancajas (34-4-2, 23 KOs) in the first defense of his 118-pound title.
Ancajas, once a rising star, is now 1-3 in his last four fights.
Junto Nakatani, Kosei Tanaka and Takuma Inoue delivered impressive victories Saturday in Japan.
Japanese fighters had a big night Saturday in Tokyo.
Junto Nakatani, Kosei Tanaka and Takuma Inoue all took significant steps in their careers by delivering convincing victories at Kokugikan Arena.
Nakatani (27-0, 20 KOs) knocked out Alexandro Santiago (28-4-5, 14 KOs) in six rounds to take the Mexican’s IBF 118-pound title, giving Nakatani a major belt in a third division.
Nakatani controlled the fight from the outset, outclassing the new champion. Santiago had upset Nonito Donaire to win the WBC belt in his previous fight.
Tanaka left no doubt that he was the better man against Christian Bacasegua, winning a one-sided decision to capture a vacant 115-pound title. He’s now a four-division titlist in only 21 fights.
Bacasegua (22-5-2, 9 KOs) got off to a strong start but Tanaka (20-1, 11 KOs) found a grove around the third round and never looked back.
And Inoue (19-1, 5 KOs), the younger brother of Naoya Inoue, knocked out former beltholder Jerwin Ancajas (34-4-2, 23 KOs) in the first defense of his 118-pound title.
Ancajas, once a rising star, is now 1-3 in his last four fights.
Alexandro Santiago vs. Junto Nakatani: Date, time, how to watch, background.
Alexandro Santiago is scheduled to defend his 118-pound title against two-division champ Junto Nakatani on a stacked card Saturday in Tokyo.
ALEXANDRO SANTIAGO (28-3-5, 14 KOs)
VS. JUNTO NAKATANI (26-0, 19 KOs)
Date: Saturday, Feb. 24
Time: 5 a.m. ET / 2 a.m. PT (main event later in show)
Where: Kokugikan Arena, Tokyo
TV/Stream: ESPN+
Division: Bantamweight (118 pounds)
At stake: Santiago’s WBC title
Pound-for-pound: None
Odds: Nakatani 6-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Significance (up to five stars): ****
Also on the card: Takuma Inoue vs. Jerwin Ancajas, bantamweights (for Inoue’s WBA title); Kosei Tanaka vs. Christian Bacasegua, junior bantamweights (for vacant WBO title)
Background: Santiago vs. Nakatani highlights a card featuring three major titles fights. Santiago made a splash last July, when he upset future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire by winning a unanimous decision and the vacant WBC 118-pound title. The 28-year-old Mexican is 4-0 since he lost a close (disputed?) decision to unbeaten Gary Antonio Russell in November 2021. Nakatani, who had an impressive run a 112- and 115 pounds, will fight for a major title in his first fight as a 118-pounder. The 26-year-old southpaw from Japan is a considerable favorite over Santiago because of his combination of ability, power and strong resume. He’s coming off a one-sided decision over Argi Cortes in the only defense of his WBO 115-pound title, his latest success against elite opposition. He’s 6-0 (4 KOs) against current or former word titleholders. Inoue (18-1, 4 KOs) will be making the first defense of his WBA belt against Ancajas (34-3-2, 23 KOs). The brother of Naoya Inoue is 5-0 since he lost a decision to Nordine Oubaali in 2019. Ancajas bounced back from back-to-back losses to Fernando Martinez by stopping Wilner Soto in five rounds last June. Tanaka (19-1, 11 KOs) will be trying to win a major title in a fourth division. He has won four straight fights since he was stopped by Kazuto Ioka in 2020. Bacasegua (22-4-2, 9 KOs) is fighting for a major title for the first time. He has never fought outside his native Mexico.
Alexandro Santiago vs. Junto Nakatani: Date, time, how to watch, background.
Alexandro Santiago is scheduled to defend his 118-pound title against two-division champ Junto Nakatani on a stacked card Saturday in Tokyo.
ALEXANDRO SANTIAGO (28-3-5, 14 KOs)
VS. JUNTO NAKATANI (26-0, 19 KOs)
Date: Saturday, Feb. 24
Time: 5 a.m. ET / 2 a.m. PT (main event later in show)
Where: Kokugikan Arena, Tokyo
TV/Stream: ESPN+
Division: Bantamweight (118 pounds)
At stake: Santiago’s WBC title
Pound-for-pound: None
Odds: Nakatani 6-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Significance (up to five stars): ****
Also on the card: Takuma Inoue vs. Jerwin Ancajas, bantamweights (for Inoue’s WBA title); Kosei Tanaka vs. Christian Bacasegua, junior bantamweights (for vacant WBO title)
Background: Santiago vs. Nakatani highlights a card featuring three major titles fights. Santiago made a splash last July, when he upset future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire by winning a unanimous decision and the vacant WBC 118-pound title. The 28-year-old Mexican is 4-0 since he lost a close (disputed?) decision to unbeaten Gary Antonio Russell in November 2021. Nakatani, who had an impressive run a 112- and 115 pounds, will fight for a major title in his first fight as a 118-pounder. The 26-year-old southpaw from Japan is a considerable favorite over Santiago because of his combination of ability, power and strong resume. He’s coming off a one-sided decision over Argi Cortes in the only defense of his WBO 115-pound title, his latest success against elite opposition. He’s 6-0 (4 KOs) against current or former word titleholders. Inoue (18-1, 4 KOs) will be making the first defense of his WBA belt against Ancajas (34-3-2, 23 KOs). The brother of Naoya Inoue is 5-0 since he lost a decision to Nordine Oubaali in 2019. Ancajas bounced back from back-to-back losses to Fernando Martinez by stopping Wilner Soto in five rounds last June. Tanaka (19-1, 11 KOs) will be trying to win a major title in a fourth division. He has won four straight fights since he was stopped by Kazuto Ioka in 2020. Bacasegua (22-4-2, 9 KOs) is fighting for a major title for the first time. He has never fought outside his native Mexico.
Alexandro Santiago intends to build on his victory over Nonito Donaire. He defends his 118-title against Junto Nakatani on Saturday.
Was Alexandro Santiago’s title-winning victory over Nonito Donaire in July his coming out as an elite fighter? Or did the Mexican simply catch the then-40-year-old future Hall of Famer at the right time?
We’re going to find out on Saturday, when he defends his 118-pound belt against unbeaten southpaw Junto Nakatani in Tokyo (ESPN+).
Nakatani (26-0, 19 KOs) is one of the top smaller fighters in the world, a fearsome boxer-puncher with major titles in two divisions and a series of impressive victories, including a brutal knockout of Andrew Moloney. He’s also listed at 5 feet, 7½ inches, five inches taller than Santiago.
That’s why the Japanese fighter is around a 6-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets) even though he’s the challenger against Santiago (28-3-5, 14 KOs).
“What I know about him is he’s a young, hungry, great fighter,” Santiago told RingTV.com. “He has very good attributes. He’s tall, lean and a southpaw. In the past I’ve fought southpaws, and I was the shorter man.
“He’s been champion twice and I love this type of challenge because I know beating a fighter like this with a tremendous resume, I’m going to a bigger level and better fights.”
Santiago didn’t come out of nowhere to beat Donaire, against whom he won the vacant WBC title.
The 28-year-old resident of Tijuana made a strong impression in defeat against slick Gary Antonio Russell in 2021. Santiago lost a close majority decision that some believe went to the wrong fighter.
He defeated his next three opponents to earn a shot at Donaire and his first major belt. His victory in that fight was a significant break through.
“Beating a guy like Donaire, who is a superstar, soon probably a Hall of Famer, to conquer my dream of becoming a world champion was an incredible experience, something I dreamed about of since I was a young fighter,” he said.
“I celebrated with the people that I love, which is my family, my team, the Quiriarte family. It was very challenging and difficult but I do believe the challenge starts now, a lot more difficult fights like the one I have in Japan but I am very well prepared.
“I’m enjoying it, I’m having a lot of fun with it. I’m looking forward to it. I wish it was tomorrow.”
He insists he’s prepared for what appears to be the biggest challenge of his career on Saturday.
“I’m going to his backyard in Japan and I’ve been working extremely hard,” he said. “One of my belief’s is you win fights in the gym, mainly preparing yourself very well, the time, work ethic, the effort.
“That way the day of the fight everything will conclude, all the hard work usually is almost done. I have dedicated myself, I had good, tough sparring. We feel ready for this fight.”
Alexandro Santiago intends to build on his victory over Nonito Donaire. He defends his 118-title against Junto Nakatani on Saturday.
Was Alexandro Santiago’s title-winning victory over Nonito Donaire in July his coming out as an elite fighter? Or did the Mexican simply catch the then-40-year-old future Hall of Famer at the right time?
We’re going to find out on Saturday, when he defends his 118-pound belt against unbeaten southpaw Junto Nakatani in Tokyo (ESPN+).
Nakatani (26-0, 19 KOs) is one of the top smaller fighters in the world, a fearsome boxer-puncher with major titles in two divisions and a series of impressive victories, including a brutal knockout of Andrew Moloney. He’s also listed at 5 feet, 7½ inches, five inches taller than Santiago.
That’s why the Japanese fighter is around a 6-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets) even though he’s the challenger against Santiago (28-3-5, 14 KOs).
“What I know about him is he’s a young, hungry, great fighter,” Santiago told RingTV.com. “He has very good attributes. He’s tall, lean and a southpaw. In the past I’ve fought southpaws, and I was the shorter man.
“He’s been champion twice and I love this type of challenge because I know beating a fighter like this with a tremendous resume, I’m going to a bigger level and better fights.”
Santiago didn’t come out of nowhere to beat Donaire, against whom he won the vacant WBC title.
The 28-year-old resident of Tijuana made a strong impression in defeat against slick Gary Antonio Russell in 2021. Santiago lost a close majority decision that some believe went to the wrong fighter.
He defeated his next three opponents to earn a shot at Donaire and his first major belt. His victory in that fight was a significant break through.
“Beating a guy like Donaire, who is a superstar, soon probably a Hall of Famer, to conquer my dream of becoming a world champion was an incredible experience, something I dreamed about of since I was a young fighter,” he said.
“I celebrated with the people that I love, which is my family, my team, the Quiriarte family. It was very challenging and difficult but I do believe the challenge starts now, a lot more difficult fights like the one I have in Japan but I am very well prepared.
“I’m enjoying it, I’m having a lot of fun with it. I’m looking forward to it. I wish it was tomorrow.”
He insists he’s prepared for what appears to be the biggest challenge of his career on Saturday.
“I’m going to his backyard in Japan and I’ve been working extremely hard,” he said. “One of my belief’s is you win fights in the gym, mainly preparing yourself very well, the time, work ethic, the effort.
“That way the day of the fight everything will conclude, all the hard work usually is almost done. I have dedicated myself, I had good, tough sparring. We feel ready for this fight.”
Fight Week: Edgar Berlanga will face Padraig McCrory in Orlando. Meanwhile, three title fights will be featured on a card in Tokyo.
FIGHT WEEK
Edgar Berlanga will face fellow unbeaten contender Padraig McCrory on Saturday in Orlando, Florida. On the same day, in Tokyo, Alexandro Santiago vs. Junto Nakatani highlights a stacked card.
EDGAR BERLANGA (21-0, 16 KOs)
VS. PADRAIG MCCRORY (18-0, 9 KOs)
Date: Saturday, Feb. 24
Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
Odds: Berlanga 3½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Significance (up to five stars): ***
Also on the card: Andy Cruz vs. Brayan Zamarripa, lightweights; Shakhram Giyasov vs. Pablo Cesar Cano, welterweights; Antonio Vargas vs. Jonathan Rodriguez, bantamweights; Yankiel Rivera vs. Andy Dominguez, flyweights
Background: Berlanga continues on his path toward showdowns with the biggest names at 168 pounds. The New York slugger’s days of early knockouts are behind him but he has continued to win, claiming decision victories in his last five fights. He last fought in June, when he struggled with the movement of Jason Quigley but put the Irishman down four times to win a unanimous decision. That was his only fight last year. He is among those targeting undisputed 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez but has also expressed interest in fighting fellow unbeaten contender Jaime Munguia and veteran Gabriel Rosado. He’s ranked in the Top 11 by all four major sanctioning bodies, as high as No. 5 by the WBO. McCrory is a 35-year-old contender from Belfast, Northern Ireland. He’s unbeaten but is taking a significant step up in opposition on Saturday, which is why he’s a significant underdog. McCrory is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Steed Woodall last August in Belfast. He’s ranked No. 3 by the WBA – ahead of No. 8 Berlanga – and No. 13 by the IBF.
ALEXANDRO SANTIAGO (28-3-5, 14 KOs)
VS. JUNTO NAKATANI (26-0, 19 KOs)
Date: Saturday, Feb. 24
Time: 5 a.m. ET / 2 a.m. PT (main event later in show)
Where: Kokugikan Arena, Tokyo
TV/Stream: ESPN+
Division: Bantamweight (118 pounds)
At stake: Santiago’s WBC title
Pound-for-pound: None
Odds: Nakatani 6-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Significance (up to five stars): ****
Also on the card: Takuma Inoue vs. Jerwin Ancajas, bantamweights (for Inoue’s WBA title); Kosei Tanaka vs. Christian Bacasegua, junior bantamweights (for vacant WBO title)
Background: Santiago vs. Nakatani highlights a card featuring three major titles fights. Santiago made a splash last July, when he upset future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire by winning a unanimous decision and the vacant WBC 118-pound title. The 28-year-old Mexican is 4-0 since he lost a close (disputed?) decision to unbeaten Gary Antonio Russell in November 2021. Nakatani, who had an impressive run a 112- and 115 pounds, will fight for a major title in his first fight as a 118-pounder. The 26-year-old southpaw from Japan is a considerable favorite over Santiago because of his combination of ability, power and strong resume. He’s coming off a one-sided decision over Argi Cortes in the only defense of his WBO 115-pound title, his latest success against elite opposition. He’s 6-0 (4 KOs) against current or former word titleholders. Inoue (18-1, 4 KOs) will be making the first defense of his WBA belt against Ancajas (34-3-2, 23 KOs). The brother of Naoya Inoue is 5-0 since he lost a decision to Nordine Oubaali in 2019. Ancajas bounced back from back-to-back losses to Fernando Martinez by stopping Wilner Soto in five rounds last June. Tanaka (19-1, 11 KOs) will be trying to win a major title in a fourth division. He has won four straight fights since he was stopped by Kazuto Ioka in 2020. Bacasegua (22-4-2, 9 KOs) is fighting for a major title for the first time. He has never fought outside his native Mexico.
ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK
TUESDAY
Ardreal Holmes Jr. vs. Marlon Harrington, junior middleweights, Detroit (DAZN)
FRIDAY
Gor Yeritsyan vs. Quinton Randall, welterweights, Santa Ynez, California (UFC Fight Pass)
Wendy Toussaint vs. Mpondu Kalunga, junior middleweights, Huntington, New York (StarBoxing.TV)
SATURDAY
Josue Francisco Aguero vs. Francisco Javier Lucero, junior lightweights, Buenos Aires, Argentina (TyC Sports)
Fight Week: Edgar Berlanga will face Padraig McCrory in Orlando. Meanwhile, three title fights will be featured on a card in Tokyo.
FIGHT WEEK
Edgar Berlanga will face fellow unbeaten contender Padraig McCrory on Saturday in Orlando, Florida. On the same day, in Tokyo, Alexandro Santiago vs. Junto Nakatani highlights a stacked card.
EDGAR BERLANGA (21-0, 16 KOs)
VS. PADRAIG MCCRORY (18-0, 9 KOs)
Date: Saturday, Feb. 24
Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
Odds: Berlanga 3½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Significance (up to five stars): ***
Also on the card: Andy Cruz vs. Brayan Zamarripa, lightweights; Shakhram Giyasov vs. Pablo Cesar Cano, welterweights; Antonio Vargas vs. Jonathan Rodriguez, bantamweights; Yankiel Rivera vs. Andy Dominguez, flyweights
Background: Berlanga continues on his path toward showdowns with the biggest names at 168 pounds. The New York slugger’s days of early knockouts are behind him but he has continued to win, claiming decision victories in his last five fights. He last fought in June, when he struggled with the movement of Jason Quigley but put the Irishman down four times to win a unanimous decision. That was his only fight last year. He is among those targeting undisputed 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez but has also expressed interest in fighting fellow unbeaten contender Jaime Munguia and veteran Gabriel Rosado. He’s ranked in the Top 11 by all four major sanctioning bodies, as high as No. 5 by the WBO. McCrory is a 35-year-old contender from Belfast, Northern Ireland. He’s unbeaten but is taking a significant step up in opposition on Saturday, which is why he’s a significant underdog. McCrory is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Steed Woodall last August in Belfast. He’s ranked No. 3 by the WBA – ahead of No. 8 Berlanga – and No. 13 by the IBF.
ALEXANDRO SANTIAGO (28-3-5, 14 KOs)
VS. JUNTO NAKATANI (26-0, 19 KOs)
Date: Saturday, Feb. 24
Time: 5 a.m. ET / 2 a.m. PT (main event later in show)
Where: Kokugikan Arena, Tokyo
TV/Stream: ESPN+
Division: Bantamweight (118 pounds)
At stake: Santiago’s WBC title
Pound-for-pound: None
Odds: Nakatani 6-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
Significance (up to five stars): ****
Also on the card: Takuma Inoue vs. Jerwin Ancajas, bantamweights (for Inoue’s WBA title); Kosei Tanaka vs. Christian Bacasegua, junior bantamweights (for vacant WBO title)
Background: Santiago vs. Nakatani highlights a card featuring three major titles fights. Santiago made a splash last July, when he upset future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire by winning a unanimous decision and the vacant WBC 118-pound title. The 28-year-old Mexican is 4-0 since he lost a close (disputed?) decision to unbeaten Gary Antonio Russell in November 2021. Nakatani, who had an impressive run a 112- and 115 pounds, will fight for a major title in his first fight as a 118-pounder. The 26-year-old southpaw from Japan is a considerable favorite over Santiago because of his combination of ability, power and strong resume. He’s coming off a one-sided decision over Argi Cortes in the only defense of his WBO 115-pound title, his latest success against elite opposition. He’s 6-0 (4 KOs) against current or former word titleholders. Inoue (18-1, 4 KOs) will be making the first defense of his WBA belt against Ancajas (34-3-2, 23 KOs). The brother of Naoya Inoue is 5-0 since he lost a decision to Nordine Oubaali in 2019. Ancajas bounced back from back-to-back losses to Fernando Martinez by stopping Wilner Soto in five rounds last June. Tanaka (19-1, 11 KOs) will be trying to win a major title in a fourth division. He has won four straight fights since he was stopped by Kazuto Ioka in 2020. Bacasegua (22-4-2, 9 KOs) is fighting for a major title for the first time. He has never fought outside his native Mexico.
ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK
TUESDAY
Ardreal Holmes Jr. vs. Marlon Harrington, junior middleweights, Detroit (DAZN)
FRIDAY
Gor Yeritsyan vs. Quinton Randall, welterweights, Santa Ynez, California (UFC Fight Pass)
Wendy Toussaint vs. Mpondu Kalunga, junior middleweights, Huntington, New York (StarBoxing.TV)
SATURDAY
Josue Francisco Aguero vs. Francisco Javier Lucero, junior lightweights, Buenos Aires, Argentina (TyC Sports)
A critical look at the past week in boxing BIGGEST WINNER Devin Haney What are we to make of Haney’s close, but unanimous decision victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko on Saturday in Las Vegas? On one hand, he took down a still-sharp future Hall of Famer …
A critical look at the past week in boxing
BIGGEST WINNER
Devin Haney
What are we to make of Haney’s close, but unanimous decision victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko on Saturday in Las Vegas? On one hand, he took down a still-sharp future Hall of Famer to retain his undisputed 135-pound championship. And he did it by coming through in the clutch: He won the 12th round on all three cards, which prevented a draw. It was the biggest accomplishment of the 24-year-old’s young career. He deserves credit. On the other hand, he was pushed to his limits by a 35-year-old who is naturally smaller than he is and thought to be in decline going into the fight. He landed the heavier shots in the first half only to wilt down the stretch, when Lomachenko seemed to grow stronger. The Ukrainian landed almost at will in Rounds 10 and 11, before Haney took his decisive stand. It was a good performance by Haney given the opposition but he didn’t come close to demonstrating in the fight that he’s the best lightweight, which he presumably hoped to do. It seems clear at the moment that Nos. 1 and 2 are Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson, in whichever order you prefer. The good news for Haney? He’s still the champion. He has many good options going forward. And the experience gained in that fight will help grow as a fighter.
BIGGEST LOSER
Vasiliy Lomachenko
Vasiliy Lomachenko made a strong statement in defeat. Sarah Stier / Getty Images
Lomachenko failed to realize a dream of becoming an undisputed champion. And at his age one wonders whether he’ll ever get another chance. That has to be devastating for him, particularly because he obviously thought he deserved to win the decision. He made a powerful statement, though. His unanimous decision loss to Teofimo Lopez in 2020, subsequent shoulder surgery and time away from boxing to do his part in his country’s war with Russia made the aging former pound-for-pound king almost an afterthought. He demonstrated on Saturday against one of the most-gifted young fighters that he remains a threat to anyone when he’s healthy. As he put it, “I think I showed that I can be in boxing.” Indeed, if anyone hesitated to include him among the short list of elite lightweights beforehand, they can’t now. The question is: Can he get another big opportunity? It’s possible. Haney might move up to 140 pounds, which would open up his titles. Lomachenko would be among those in position to fight for a belt. And both Davis and Stevenson need high-profile opponents. If they can’t get Haney, Lomachenko would an excellent choice after his strong performance on Saturday. To be clear: Loma is back.
MOST OPTIONS
Haney
Shakur Stevenson is among many potential foes for Devin Haney. Steve Marcus / Getty Images
Haney said he has “accomplished everything at 135” when he was explaining why it might be the right time for him to move up to 140 pounds. Has he really accomplished everything? He will have reigned as undisputed champion, defeated George Kambosos Jr. twice and managed to get past Lomachenko, which is impressive. However, he will not have faced arguably his two biggest threats, Davis and Stevenson. If he moves up to 140 without fighting them, he will have a glaring gap in his 135-pound resume. And make no mistake: Both Davis and Stevenson would love the opportunity to fight for all four major belts. Of course, Haney would be wise to move up to 140 if making 135 has become too difficult. There are wonderful challenges waiting for him at that weight, too: the winner of the June 10 Josh Taylor-Teofimo Lopez fight, Regis Prograis, Subriel Matias, Jose Ramirez and others. Bottom line: Haney will have plenty of intriguing options regardless of what he decides to do.
BIGGEST WINNER II
Chantelle Cameron
Cameron’s historic majority decision victory over previously unbeaten Katie Taylor in Taylor’s homecoming Saturday in Dublin, Ireland was no fluke: She earned it. The undisputed 140-pound champion from England put pressure on the 135-pound champ from the opening bell until her hand was raised after 10 hard-fought, entertaining rounds. Cameron (18-0, 8 KOs) now arguably sits below only Claressa Shields in the pound-for-pound rankings, which is a major breakthrough for the talented 32-year-old. Taylor? First, kudos to her for taking such a difficult fight in what could’ve been a mere showcase in her first professional fight in her native country. She wanted the milestone bout to be meaningful. And there’s no shame in losing to excellent, naturally bigger opponent in an attempt to become “undisputed” in another weight class. She did a good job of timing her hard-charging opponent with quick, accurate punches only to come up just short on the cards, 96-94, 96-94 and 95-95. The setback leaves Shields alone at the top but no one is going to write off Taylor (22-1, 6 KOs). She proved she remains an elite fighter at 36. She obviously has a lot more to give.
RABBIT PUNCHES
The fact Haney received the nod over Lomachenko in a close, give-and-take fight was not out of line. I scored it 114-114 but a 115-113 score – the tally of two judges – either way would’ve been acceptable. The only problem I had with the scoring was veteran judge Dave Moretti’s card. He had it 116-112 for Haney, which I thought was too wide but not outrageous. What was baffling was the fact he gave Haney five of the final six rounds, when Lomachenko was at his best. I can’t even imagine what Moretti saw. … A new Japanese star has arrived on the scene. Junto Nakatani (25-0, 19 KOs) gave an eye-opening performance on the Haney-Lomachenko card, putting Andrew Moloney (25-3, 16 KOs) down three times and stopping him with as brutal a punch as you’ll ever see to win a vacant 115-pound title. Nakatani couldn’t have made a stronger statement. The likes of Juan Francisco Estrada, Roman Gonzalez and Bam Rodriguez are officially on notice. … Former two-division titleholder Oscar Valdez (31-1, 23 KOs) looked sharp in his comeback fight against capable, but light-punching Adam Lopez (16-5, 6 KOs) on the Haney-Lomachenko card, winning a wide decision to establish himself as a legitimate 135-pound contender. Valdez was coming off his worst night as a pro, a wide-decision loss to Stevenson that cost him his 130-pound belt.
A critical look at the past week in boxing BIGGEST WINNER Devin Haney What are we to make of Haney’s close, but unanimous decision victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko on Saturday in Las Vegas? On one hand, he took down a still-sharp future Hall of Famer …
A critical look at the past week in boxing
BIGGEST WINNER
Devin Haney
What are we to make of Haney’s close, but unanimous decision victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko on Saturday in Las Vegas? On one hand, he took down a still-sharp future Hall of Famer to retain his undisputed 135-pound championship. And he did it by coming through in the clutch: He won the 12th round on all three cards, which prevented a draw. It was the biggest accomplishment of the 24-year-old’s young career. He deserves credit. On the other hand, he was pushed to his limits by a 35-year-old who is naturally smaller than he is and thought to be in decline going into the fight. He landed the heavier shots in the first half only to wilt down the stretch, when Lomachenko seemed to grow stronger. The Ukrainian landed almost at will in Rounds 10 and 11, before Haney took his decisive stand. It was a good performance by Haney given the opposition but he didn’t come close to demonstrating in the fight that he’s the best lightweight, which he presumably hoped to do. It seems clear at the moment that Nos. 1 and 2 are Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson, in whichever order you prefer. The good news for Haney? He’s still the champion. He has many good options going forward. And the experience gained in that fight will help grow as a fighter.
BIGGEST LOSER
Vasiliy Lomachenko
Vasiliy Lomachenko made a strong statement in defeat. Sarah Stier / Getty Images
Lomachenko failed to realize a dream of becoming an undisputed champion. And at his age one wonders whether he’ll ever get another chance. That has to be devastating for him, particularly because he obviously thought he deserved to win the decision. He made a powerful statement, though. His unanimous decision loss to Teofimo Lopez in 2020, subsequent shoulder surgery and time away from boxing to do his part in his country’s war with Russia made the aging former pound-for-pound king almost an afterthought. He demonstrated on Saturday against one of the most-gifted young fighters that he remains a threat to anyone when he’s healthy. As he put it, “I think I showed that I can be in boxing.” Indeed, if anyone hesitated to include him among the short list of elite lightweights beforehand, they can’t now. The question is: Can he get another big opportunity? It’s possible. Haney might move up to 140 pounds, which would open up his titles. Lomachenko would be among those in position to fight for a belt. And both Davis and Stevenson need high-profile opponents. If they can’t get Haney, Lomachenko would an excellent choice after his strong performance on Saturday. To be clear: Loma is back.
MOST OPTIONS
Haney
Shakur Stevenson is among many potential foes for Devin Haney. Steve Marcus / Getty Images
Haney said he has “accomplished everything at 135” when he was explaining why it might be the right time for him to move up to 140 pounds. Has he really accomplished everything? He will have reigned as undisputed champion, defeated George Kambosos Jr. twice and managed to get past Lomachenko, which is impressive. However, he will not have faced arguably his two biggest threats, Davis and Stevenson. If he moves up to 140 without fighting them, he will have a glaring gap in his 135-pound resume. And make no mistake: Both Davis and Stevenson would love the opportunity to fight for all four major belts. Of course, Haney would be wise to move up to 140 if making 135 has become too difficult. There are wonderful challenges waiting for him at that weight, too: the winner of the June 10 Josh Taylor-Teofimo Lopez fight, Regis Prograis, Subriel Matias, Jose Ramirez and others. Bottom line: Haney will have plenty of intriguing options regardless of what he decides to do.
BIGGEST WINNER II
Chantelle Cameron
Cameron’s historic majority decision victory over previously unbeaten Katie Taylor in Taylor’s homecoming Saturday in Dublin, Ireland was no fluke: She earned it. The undisputed 140-pound champion from England put pressure on the 135-pound champ from the opening bell until her hand was raised after 10 hard-fought, entertaining rounds. Cameron (18-0, 8 KOs) now arguably sits below only Claressa Shields in the pound-for-pound rankings, which is a major breakthrough for the talented 32-year-old. Taylor? First, kudos to her for taking such a difficult fight in what could’ve been a mere showcase in her first professional fight in her native country. She wanted the milestone bout to be meaningful. And there’s no shame in losing to excellent, naturally bigger opponent in an attempt to become “undisputed” in another weight class. She did a good job of timing her hard-charging opponent with quick, accurate punches only to come up just short on the cards, 96-94, 96-94 and 95-95. The setback leaves Shields alone at the top but no one is going to write off Taylor (22-1, 6 KOs). She proved she remains an elite fighter at 36. She obviously has a lot more to give.
RABBIT PUNCHES
The fact Haney received the nod over Lomachenko in a close, give-and-take fight was not out of line. I scored it 114-114 but a 115-113 score – the tally of two judges – either way would’ve been acceptable. The only problem I had with the scoring was veteran judge Dave Moretti’s card. He had it 116-112 for Haney, which I thought was too wide but not outrageous. What was baffling was the fact he gave Haney five of the final six rounds, when Lomachenko was at his best. I can’t even imagine what Moretti saw. … A new Japanese star has arrived on the scene. Junto Nakatani (25-0, 19 KOs) gave an eye-opening performance on the Haney-Lomachenko card, putting Andrew Moloney (25-3, 16 KOs) down three times and stopping him with as brutal a punch as you’ll ever see to win a vacant 115-pound title. Nakatani couldn’t have made a stronger statement. The likes of Juan Francisco Estrada, Roman Gonzalez and Bam Rodriguez are officially on notice. … Former two-division titleholder Oscar Valdez (31-1, 23 KOs) looked sharp in his comeback fight against capable, but light-punching Adam Lopez (16-5, 6 KOs) on the Haney-Lomachenko card, winning a wide decision to establish himself as a legitimate 135-pound contender. Valdez was coming off his worst night as a pro, a wide-decision loss to Stevenson that cost him his 130-pound belt.
