Devin Haney believes that his recent victory against Vasiliy Lomachenko has proven that he is an elite level boxer. Haney managed to retain his IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO 135-pound titles after winning unanimously on points against Lomachenko, who was considered the best opponent he has fought since turning professional in 2015.
Haney feels that his win over Lomachenko deserves recognition, even though there were a few close rounds that could have gone either way. “I fought by far the toughest competitor [I’ve fought], a future Hall-of-Famer,” said Haney. “I felt like I definitely, you know, proved myself, and that I am one of the best fighters in the world. I feel like I’m number one pound-for-pound with the type of performance I did against at one point the guy who was number one pound-for-pound.”
Despite Haney’s claim, many fans may not agree with him. BoxingScene.com has listed Haney as ninth on their most recent pound-for-pound list, whereas The Ring did not include him in their top 10, but listed Lomachenko in seventh place. ESPN.com currently ranks Haney as 10th on its pound-for-pound list.
Regardless of the opinions of fans and critics, Haney is confident that he has proven his worth as a champion. He has expressed interest in fighting Shakur Stevenson and Gervonta Davis in the future but feels he has nothing left to prove in the lightweight division.
“I’ve been at 135 since I was 16 years old. We just gotta see what’s next, but eventually I’m gonna move up,” said Haney.
Although opinions may vary, Haney’s impressive performance against Lomachenko will certainly be remembered as a highlight of his career.