May 20 marked the second anniversary of Devin Haney’s unanimous-decision win over Vasiliy Lomachenko for the undisputed lightweight crown - a verdict that still sparks “robbery” claims each time the highlights resurface. Judges scored it 116-112 and 115-113 × 2 for the then-24-year-old Haney, despite CompuBox showing Loma landing more total punches (124-110) and out-flurrying the champion in the later rounds.
Critics point first to size: Haney, who looked gaunt at the weigh-in, reportedly rehydrated to nearly 160 lbs, dwarfing the 5ft 7in Lomachenko by two divisions on fight-night. Yet instead of bullying, Haney relied on single jabs and body shots while Loma rattled off two- and three-piece counters up top. Dave Moretti’s 8-4 card for Haney became Exhibit A in conspiracy threads accusing Nevada officials of protecting a potential “next Mayweather” cash cow.
Watch Haney vs. Loma highlights: Watch
Supporters of the decision note Haney’s cleaner body work and ring generalship in the early frames, arguing that Lomachenko ceded too many minutes before his late surge. They also highlight how even Loma’s own team refrained from using the word “robbery” on fight night. But the court of public opinion hasn’t budged: online polls still tilt 70%+ for Lomachenko, and Haney’s move up to welterweight this year is viewed by some as tacit admission he’d lingered too long at 135.
With neither fighter showing interest in a rematch, the debate is destined to live on as one of boxing’s modern scoring flashpoints.
Image Credit: DAZN