LAS VEGAS (AP) — On Saturday night, Devin Haney defended his WBC lightweight title by defeating Joseph “Jojo” Diaz Jr. in a unanimous decision at the MGM Grand Garden.
To determine who is the true undisputed champion of the 135-pound division, Haney is now targeting George Kambosos Jr., who defeated Teofimo Lopez last week to win the WBA, WBO, IBF, and WBC (Franchise) titles.
How The Fight Went Down?
“Let’s do it for all the belts, okay? Let’s get started, shall we? “After pulling off the victory, Haney said. As Diaz struggled to get in a fighting range early in the fight, Haney relied on a sharp jab, a right to the body, and distance control.
Devin Haney stopped JoJo Diaz in his tracks and retained his WBC lightweight title 💥#HaneyDiazJr | @autozone pic.twitter.com/PYUsymBTxZ
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 5, 2021
Kambosos wants to defend his title in his home country of Australia, and Haney has no qualms about traveling to Australia for the biggest fight of his career.
“If I have to, I’ll go to Jupiter,” he said.
What Made Fans Unhappy About Haney?
When Diaz decided to up the ante, the 23-year-old displayed superior footwork and a razor-sharp chin to stay out of trouble.
The presence of substantial pro-Diaz fans and that too in Haney’s hometown clearly made it tossing. However, his punch variety and skill set proved to be the difference.
The unbeaten Australian has made it clear that his first title defense, no matter who he faces, will have to take place in his home country.
Diaz VS Haney: Performance Analysis
Diaz was able to re-enter the fight in the fourth round, finally closing the distance on his rangy opponent. Diaz began to work his own heavy punches to the champion’s body, as well as unloading overhand lefts that clipped Haney on the chin, fighting fire with fire.
AND STILL UNDEFEATED 🥇#HaneyDiazJr pic.twitter.com/bQgBz5wprv
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 5, 2021
Diaz showed his toughness in rapid succession and had his moments. When the fight became out of hand, he finished it out with a bang, landing massive left hands that would have put other fighters in turmoil. With the crowd on their feet, Haney weathered the storm and fired back.
117-111, 117-111, and 116-112 were the judges’ final scores, all endorsing Haney.
Diaz, on the other hand, never seemed to be able to maintain momentum after each round he appeared to win. Haney fought his way back with combination punches and high activity levels, finishing the fight with a 154-113 advantage in total punches landed.
Haney has been knocked out for lackluster fights in the past, but he felt Diaz was the right man to help him become a more exciting version of himself.