IT’s not often in life Vasyl Lomachenko has been called the underdog, if ever. But he wagers his boxing legacy this weekend against a young man still working to define his.
Undisputed and undefeated lightweight world champion Devin Haney takes on the toughest test of his mere 24 years against a fighting icon.
Lomachenko, 35, was the most dominant amateur boxer in history before turning professional and claiming world titles across three weight classes.
But the Ukrainian lost top spot at 135lb in 2020 when he was outboxed in a major upset to Teofimo Lopez inside the same MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
Loma insists that defeat was an awakening and he has gone back to basics since; rediscovered his faith and his focus.
A natural featherweight, nobody would have blamed him for going back down and adding to his belt collection. But Loma feels only redemption at 145lb is good enough.
Like Lopez, Haney is a huge lightweight. He’s aggressive, fast and dripping with confidence.
And why wouldn’t he be? After turning pro in Mexico aged just 17, Haney has run up a formidable 29-0 record.
His lightweight coronation arrived last year with back-to-back wins over Aussie George Kambosos Jr Down Under, the man who had abruptly ended Lopez’s lightweight run the fight following Loma.
The champion is bigger, stronger, faster, younger, taller and longer. Phew! But he’s yet to prove his greatness in the ring. Unlike the challenger, who’s career already guarantees his first ballot Hall of Fame future.
The war in Ukraine, which saw Loma put down his gloves and pick up a gun last year, restricted him to just one fight in 2021. But halting the unbeaten run of rising star Jermain Ortiz was ideal preparation for a speedster like Haney
FACE-TO-FACE 👀 #HaneyLoma pic.twitter.com/syADRWQPS7
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) May 17, 2023
CHASING GREATNESS
Both men are chasing greatness, looking to use one another as landmarks in iconic careers.
For all of his success, 17-2 Lomachenko has never held undisputed status, it’s the one moniker missing for his pugilistic prosperity. A win over Haney ticks a final box.
Undefeated Haney has lived up to his ‘Dream’ nickname so far. But the California based out of Las Vegas has also been extremely well managed.
The right fight at the right time has meant he’s been able to navigate his route to the very top of the sport with mitigated risk.
Victory over an ageing Loma will probably bring with it further scrutiny of his true pound-for-pound status. But anybody who can put-think and out-punch a champion as ring savvy as Lomachenko deserves all the plaudits possible.
Loma insists a shoulder injury and a lack of focus led to the Lopez loss. But those words only truly carry weight if he sinks Haney and reclaims his crown.
When both experience and skill are relatively equal it will come down to size, strength and fight IQ. Of which Haney has at least two in his favour.
Time waits for no man and Nevada will once again close the chapter on a storied career by lighting the fuse at the start of another.
