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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 13: Ryan Garcia of the United States speaks during a press conference at Madison Square Garden on December 13, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 13: Ryan Garcia of the United States speaks during a press conference at Madison Square Garden on December 13, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Devin Haney was able to retain his lightweight titles after coming out on top following a thrilling 12-round battle with Vasyl Lomachenko. The fight lived up to its hype, giving fans exciting 12 rounds of action before the fight eventually went to the judges’ scorecard. From the opening bell, it was evident that both fighters were prepared to give their all.
Throughout the match, Haney and Lomachenko exchanged blows in a display of exceptional boxing skills. Haney’s speed and agility allowed him to deliver accurate jabs and combinations, while Lomachenko’s footwork and counter-punching skills were on full display. Haney emerged victorious with unanimous scores of 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113. However, the controversial nature of the decision immediately sparked debate, with many questioning the result. This included former interim champion Ryan Garcia, who was certainly not happy with the judging.
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Ryan Garcia reacts to the result of Devin Haney vs Vasyl Lomachenko
‘KingRy’ took to Twitter and expressed his frustration over the result. According to him, ‘Loma’ should have won the fight stating that he was landing the better shots and finished strong as well.
“This is what hurts boxing. Loma should have won. I don’t get it, i was there loma was landing the cleaner shots and finished the fight strong,” he wrote.
Ryan Garcia reacts to Devin Haney UD Vasyl Lomachenko… pic.twitter.com/YV1x0c9ezO
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) May 21, 2023
Although this tweet was deleted by Garcia, this certainly highlights an ongoing issue in professional boxing. The subjectivity of judging and the court of public opinion. While the official scoring determined Haney as the winner, the discontent expressed by Garcia shows the discrepancy between judges and spectators. Moreover, unified featherweight champion Shakur Stevenson also agreed with Garcia and thought that Lomachenko should have gotten the nod.
Shakur Stevenson thinks Lomachenko should have won
The two-division champion who was also present ringside for the fight gave his winner for the fight. Stevenson claimed that the Ukrainian had done more than enough to secure the titles.
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“Lomachenko should be undisputed champion here. He won, he won that fight, he landed the cleaner punches. He landed the cleaner shots on Dev, and he pushed the pace,” Stevenson said.
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NATIONAL HARBOR, MD – MAY 25: Devin Haney and Antonio Moran walk to their corners between rounds during the WBC and WBO Inter-Continental lightweight championship fight. The Theater at MGM National Harbor on May 25, 2019 in National Harbor, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
Although the former Olympian backed Haney to win, he was quick to change his mind after the fight. Now, it seems that Stevenson is gearing up to face Haney and now become a champion in three divisions. Despite ‘The Dream’ keeping his undefeated record, it adds another chapter to the rich history of boxing controversies. While the result is final, the discussions sparked by this match will undoubtedly continue for a long time.
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Watch This Story | 5 Things You Never Knew About Devin Haney
What did you think about Garcia’s take on the fight and judging? Let us know in the comments.
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