By: Sean Crose
The world had an undisputed lightweight title fight this weekend, as WBA, IBF and WBO world champion George Kambosos defended his belt against the highly skilled WBC puncher and undefeated Devin Haney. Although 27-0 Haney was the preferred walking team, 20-0 Kambosos was unpopular as he also won the title from Teofimo Lopez. The Battle of Kambosos-Haney is scheduled to last 12 innings.
First, though, there’s a heavy problem to be had. Aston Palicte 28-4-1 faces Jason Moloney 25-2 in the scheduled 10 round. Both men were in the leather goods business from an early age. Moloney dropped his men in season three. Palicte bravely got to his feet but the fight was stopped by the referee when he quickly dropped his hand a second time.
It’s time for the main event. The first was a grueling process, although each man seemed to feel more comfortable as the round continued. Kambosos was in trouble in the second. However, Haney used his stab to good effect. The Philadelphia boxer seemed to control the tempo of the match in the third round. Kambosos failed to do anything really impressive in the fourth installment. An aggressive Kambosos was able to land on Haney in season five.
Haney can be seen looking at Kambosos in the sixth season, while attacking him with clean punches. Kambosos was very aggressive in the seventh round, but Haney’s ability to knock Kambosos’ timing told the story. Not that the Australian hasn’t had his moments. He doesn’t have enough of them. Haney also ties her men very well. Between rounds, Kambosos seemed a little lost on his stool. The eighth round saw Kambosos yet to be able to put anything meaningful together. If it weren’t for the excellent conditions, the Kambosos might have begun to crumble at that point in the war.
The ninth inning showed the fact that the game was closer than some thought – the Kambosos were able to keep up the pressure and land. However, Haney’s smooth punch also speaks volumes for Haney’s accuracy. With that in mind, Haney went down the ring for a minute or two, but it was supposed to slip. The Kambosos fought roughly in the tenth round, bringing the round to a close. Was Haney’s accuracy in the ring enough for the Americans to beat? The clumsy Kambosos was difficult for Haney to shake in the eleventh half, but Haney’s single shots kept the Kambosos from turning the situation in his favor. The twelfth and final round saw Kambosos take on Haney recklessly and violently.
It’s not enough. Haney secured a unanimous decision victory from the judges and stepped out of the ring as the undisputed lightweight world champion.
