More than the wads of cash that entered his bank account and more important than simply becoming a world champion, both Devin and Bill Haney were desperate to gain the respect of the rest of the boxing world.
That reverence, however, came few and far between according to Bill. Even after his son made the long trek to Australia on back-to-back occasions to first become an undisputed champion, then defend said throne, the father-son duo wanted more.
As the two sat down and pondered their next move, a lightbulb flickered on. Although they stood tall as the lightweight division’s only major champion, they viewed Vasiliy Lomachenko as the man who held the keys to their pugilistic salvation.
At one point, the 35-year-old was considered not only the best lightweight around but by and large, Lomachenko was once regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. Although a defeat to Teofimo Lopez, followed by a lackluster showing against Jamaine Ortiz took a considerable amount of his shine away, the Haney’s were convinced that a win against the Ukrainian would lead them to the promised land.
On May 20th, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, the two officially squared off in the center of the ring. After brawling, boxing, and unnervingly racking his brain in search of answers, Devin managed to eke out a close and somewhat contentious unanimous decision victory.
Controversy aside, Bill was extremely pleased with his son’s ability to rise to the occasion. Now, after banking the most impressive victory of his young career, Bill is of the belief that his offspring should be viewed in a more flattering light.
“Pound-for-pound number one,” said an excited Bill with respect to his son’s victory. “Don’t doubt him no more, crown him. He’s number one in the world.”