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George Kambosos Jr. viewed his unanimous decision defeat to Devin Haney on June 5th, as somewhat inconsequential. Though his unified lightweight reign was short-lived, the Australian native was confident in his ability to dust himself off and change the outcome in their immediate rematch. But, in spite of his self-belief, Haney would go on to register yet another lopsided victory.
The two officially squared off for presumably the final time this past weekend at Rod Laver Arena, in Melbourne, Australia. While he upped his aggression, Haney (29-0, 15 KOs) eventually broke his man down in the latter rounds before registering the first defense of his undisputed throne.
Although Haney found Kambosos’s tactical improvements innocuous, Bill Haney, Devin’s trainer and father, admitted that preparing for consecutive bouts against the 29-year-old was no easy task.
“We watched everything that you did,” said Bill to Kambosos following their post-fight press conference. “We’ve never studied a fighter as much as we studied you.”
The Haney’s diligence in their study habits proved to be the difference. In the opening round, with a strong backing of the Aussie crowd, Kambosos (20-2, 10 KOs) pushed forward, employing a steady jab and persistent work rate to the body.
But regardless of his relatively strong start to their sequel, Haney remained patient, pushing his man back with countless deleterious blows. After grabbing firm control, Haney began charging ahead, leading to massive welts littered across Kambosos’s deteriorating facial features.
Now, with Haney officials closing the door on their rivalry, the 23-year-old could be in line to take on Vasiliy Lomachenko, if, of course, the Ukrainian star scores the win against Jamaine Ortiz on October 29th. But while team Haney will go onward, Bill issued one final statement to Kambosos, explaining his reverence.
“We got the utmost respect for you guys.”