Undisputed 135-pound champion Devin Haney had a mind-boggling match on Friday when he gave Vasiliy Lomachenko a heavyweight shove.
Haney was slapping Lomachenko in the face while staring down as he lifted his hand and pushed the challenger, who staggered back.
That was the last time they faced off before a pay-per-view match on Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Haney and Lomachenko are roughly the same weight. The champion weighs 134.9 (1 below the division limit), the opponent weighs 135.0.
However, one notable aspect of the deliberation – aside from the shoving – is the obvious fact that Haney is a naturally larger man than Lomachenko.
Haney (29-0, 15 KOs) has fought throughout her career at 135th or slightly above. Lomachenko (17-2, 11 KOs) started his career at the age of 126 and has worked tirelessly, winning major titles in three divisions along the way.
Haney won all four lightweight belts when he easily overcame George Kambosos Jr. last June in Australia, home of the Kambosos. He did it again in the rematch in October, also at the bottom.
Lomachenko has won three straight games since he lost his 135-pound belt to Teofimo Lopez in October 2020, after which he had surgery on his injured right shoulder.
