Prominent Twitter Believes Vasiliy Lomachenko Beat Haney
The reaction was swift and virtually unanimous, just like the official verdict that had been read in Devin Haney’s favor. Except, most boing media/observers, fighters and fans thought that decision was wrong/it was Vasiliy Lomachenko who had done enough to get the nod and become undisputed lightweight champ Saturday night in Las Vegas.
Haney’s had was raised on scores of 116-112, and twice by 115-113 to retain his four 135 lb. titles and the chorus of boos rang out in the MGM Grand Garden Arena late Saturday.
Then, came “the takes,” and the support for the Ukrainian three division world champ. Let’s start with current and former championship fighters,
Former two division world champ and current lightweight contender Shakur Stevenson was in attendance and said on the ESPN post fight that he believed Lomachenko won the fight and was not that impressed with Haney,
"Devin not on my level."@ShakurStevenson sounds off 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/oLl3HDmELC
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) May 21, 2023
Watching on the PPV away from Las Vegas, current WBC 140 lb. champ Regis Prograis made his feelings immediately kwon on the Haney-Loma outcome,
Loma won
— Rougarou (@RPrograis) May 21, 2023
Back to those in attendance. From ringside, hall of famer Oscar De La Hoya was very direct about Lomachenko not getting the decision
Whoever thinks Loma didn’t win does not know shit about boxing.
— Oscar De La Hoya (@OscarDeLaHoya) May 21, 2023
Former world champ and Showtime boxing analyst Raul Marquez agreed that Lomachenko should have been given the verdict in a series of tweets. This was one was early and summed it up,
Unbelievable no way Haney won https://t.co/LzOyp4BVhX
— Raul Marquez (@RaulMarquez92) May 21, 2023
His colleague, multi-division world champ and Showtime analyst Abner Mares agreed, as well,
Im sorry i don’t usually do this kind of tweets … but Loma deserved to WIN.
— ABNER MARES (@abnermares) May 21, 2023
Then, as he often does, NBA All-Star guard and big time fight fan Damian Lillard, took to social media with his thoughts,
Great for Devin to learn in a win as opposed to a loss. I had it a draw or 115-113 either way. Sure he was drained like a mf… might be time to go to 40… this wasn’t a robbery 🤷🏽♂️ close fight and some ppl didn’t agree w the decision.
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) May 21, 2023
Then, for some prominent boxing media.
Our Dan Rafael favored Lomachenko late, but didn’t think either fighter had done quite enough,
Rd 12: Loma 10-9 in a terrific 12th round. Such a close, good fight. I have it 6-6, a draw. Helluva fight. #boxing #HaneyLoma
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) May 21, 2023
Longtime boxing writer and host Steve Kim from ringside at the MGM Grand predicted mayhem, despite Lomachenko deserving the win on his card,
I have it 115-113 for Loma. Scorecards will be all over the place… #boxing #HaneyLoma
— Steve Kim (@SteveKim323) May 21, 2023
Likewise national sports radio host/personality “JT the Brick” was also ringside with his take,
I'm having a tough time with that decision.
Bad look.
I had Loma ahead!
Loma gets a rematch well deserved.
Hate this!#HaneyLoma— JT The Brick (@JTTheBrick) May 21, 2023
And, the editor of the legendary “Ring Magazine” and now website, Doug Fischer also had the Ukrainian Lomachenko in front,
Scored Round 12 for Haney, who dug down a little bit, but I have Loma winning a close one by a 115-113 tally. #HaneyLoma
— Douglass Fischer (@dougiefischer) May 21, 2023
In the end, Haney remains unbeaten and undisputed at lightweight. Also, he doesn’t have to oblige Lomachenko with a rematch. Will they fight again later in 2023 or will Haney move up to a more competitive 140 lb. division to get in the title fight mix?
Those questions will get answered soon enough.
A veteran broadcaster of over 25 years, T.J. has been a fight fan longer than that! He’s the host of the “Big Fight Weekend” podcast and will go “toe to toe” with anyone who thinks that Marvin Hagler beat Sugar Ray Leonard or that Tyson, Lennox Lewis or Deontay Wilder could have beaten Ali!