It was unexpected to say the least.
The lightweight showdown between undisputed 135-pound champion Devin Haney and Ukrainian boxing sensation Vasiliy Lomachenko lived up to the hype. The action-filled, 12-round bout had several momentum-shifts as both pugilists tried to wrest away the victory. It was an exciting encounter that could’ve gone either way.
Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao was a fan of the matchup, and even tweeted out how much he enjoyed the fight.
The result, however, didn’t live up to the expectations of the highly touted challenger. While it was close fight all the way, the judges awarded the champion a victory via unanimous decision. When the announcement was made, it was ecstasy for Haney and despair for Loma.
The scores were 115-113, 115-113, and 116-112 in favor of the champ. After months of grueling training for the mega title-fight, the outcome was hard for Lomachenko to accept. Backstage, the highly decorated boxer could no longer hold his tears back.
It's easy to see where Loma is coming from. He's not the only one who thinks he should have won that fight. That list includes boxing legend Oscar de la Hoya.
Shakur Stevenson, two-division world champ and possibly Haney's next foe, even thought Loma won eight of the 12 rounds.
Atop the ring, Loma appears to be a fighting machine or a stone-cold assassin with boxing gloves on. But clearly, he’s just like any other human being who gets devastated by life’s disappointments. That said, a strong comeback from a fighter of his caliber is never out of the question. His record now stands at 17 wins and 3 losses.
As for Haney, who remains undefeated in 30 bouts, he and his camp have been vocal about leaving the lightweight division to conquer heavier weight classes.
(GM)