Former three-division world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko 17-3 (11) has refused to speak openly about his unanimous decision loss to undisputed lightweight champion Devin ‘The Dream’ Haney 30-0 (15) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday night, but it’s fair to say he thinks he got the rough end of the pineapple.
Ukrainian southpaw Lomachenko, 35, got off to a fast start and pressed the action throughout the fight. Despite Haney appearing two shirt sizes bigger than the veteran, Lomachenko was more than able to match him in terms of physical strength.
American Haney, 24, struggled to establish his vaunted jab against the skillful left-hander, but he did have great success to the body. Lomachenko stayed on Haney’s chest throughout the bout, shifting angles to connect with shots from both hands.
In the end it wasn’t enough on the official judges’ scorecards, who turned in tallies of 116-112 and 115-113 twice, all for Haney.
“Lomachenko is a future Hall of Famer,” Haney said. “It was a blessing. He was my toughest opponent by far. He is very crafty and we put on a great fight for the fans.
“He’s a crafty fighter. He turns it up in the championship rounds. I just have to take my hat off to him. He’s a great fighter.”
Lomachenko refused to be drawn into discussion of the cards in his post-fight interview.
“I don’t want to talk about [the decision]. All the people saw what happened today,” said Lomachenko.
“Before, I thought he would be better. He’s a tough fighter. He’s a good fighter. But he’s not a pound-for-pound fighter. I think I showed that I can still be in boxing. I’m in good shape now. And see you next time. Right now I want to go back home and support my country and support my Ukrainian orthodox church.”
Former featherweight and super featherweight world titleholder Shakur Stevenson 20-0 (10), who watched the fight from ringside, was more forthcoming.
“Lomachenko should be undisputed champion. He won that fight. He landed the cleaner punches and he pushed the pace,” the 25-year-old American southpaw said.
At the post fight press conference Lomachenko added to his previous comments.
“It is what it is, I want to say thank you,” he said. “Bob [Arum], your company gave me a second chance. See you next time… I know I won the fight. I controlled the fight and every round.”
His promoter Arum added: “Everybody was stunned about the score, but I’m not going to comment on the score. I am the promoter.”
Lomachenko’s manager Egis Klimas plans to file a protest with the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
“This is the biggest robbery,” Klimas said. “For the other team, Christmas came in the summer. We will appeal but we want to show there has to be justice. Somebody needs to end this injustice.”
