Undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney has stated that he would consider a rematch against former three-division world champion Vasily Lomachenko if it “makes sense.” A potential stumbling block could be financial, with Haney indicating that he would expect a larger purse than their previous bout. The two fighters last met on May 20th, with Haney winning a controversial twelve-round unanimous decision.
However, the feasibility of a rematch is questioned given the poor pay-per-view performance of the first fight. This financial challenge, coupled with the controversy surrounding the outcome of their initial encounter, suggests a rematch may not draw substantial viewer numbers. Thus, Lomachenko’s promoter, Bob Arum, would have to gamble on higher fan interest for a second bout.
Haney, confident in his ability to defeat Lomachenko once more, stated, “One thing about me, if I can beat somebody once, I can beat them twice.” The boxer’s victories over Lomachenko and George Kambosos Jr have reportedly boosted his self-confidence, possibly complicating future negotiations. Critics have suggested that Haney may be more interested in seeking out matches with Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia, Teofimo Lopez, and Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero.
Despite his record, Haney’s critics argue that his avoidance of certain competitors at 135 casts a shadow on his achievements. They contend that Haney may have dodged more formidable opponents who might have presented a higher risk to his winning streak. Whether or not these criticisms hold weight, Haney’s future career moves and potential match-ups will undoubtedly be eagerly watched by fans and critics alike.
Image Credit: Sky Sports