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Four months after his debut in DAZN, Devin Haney broke new ground in his last outing.
In the space of one year, the 20-year-old lightweight Las Vegas has gone from prospect to reigning competitor. This latest status was achieved thanks to a unilateral victory over Russian Zaur Abdullaev after four rounds in their head of broadcast aired on DAZN Friday night at the Hulu Theater of Madison Square Garden in New York.
Haney's two-handed attack caused a broken nose and a broken cheekbone, causing a wedge stop before the start of the fifth round.
"I felt good about my performance," said Haney after his final win, which also earned him the World Boxing Council (WBC) interim lightweight title. "I was not nearly finished beating him, I was just getting ready. I'm happy with my victory. "
Haney forcefully announced his arrival on the rival scene after the knockout of a knockout in the 7th round played by the Mexican Antonio Moran last May. It was his first appearance on the sports streaming platform, which he regularly presents as part of a joint promotion pact with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing USA.
The second fight under this deal led him to one day challenge the lightweight three-belt titlist and book coach Vasiliy Lomachenko. He arrived there by separating Abdullaev (11-1, 7KO), who was fighting in the United States for the first time in his young career.
"Abdullaev was number two and I destroyed it," Haney said, not at all overestimated, even though the case was brief.
Whether he is not ready for the moment or just – or never – for Haney, the 25-year-old visitor has been fighting to force his enemy to never break the pace. Abdullaev's biggest victory to date was won last September. Hank Lundy, former title challenger, would become a lightweight contender.
He did not watch the game against Haney, who controlled the action with a rap and a right hand in a loop. It was the weapon of choice of the opening bell and remained a constant nuisance all night long.
Abdullaev never managed to make an impact in a fight that he was demanding to take place. He was fortunate to retire when Haney hoped to face Englishman Luke Campbell for the title that Mikey Garcia had left earlier this year. Due to the refusal of Abdullaev – who was rated superior to Haney in the WBC – to withdraw, Campbell eventually fought Lomachenko who asked the sanctioning body to cross the finish line .
That led to Friday's fight, which turned out to be a new showcase for Haney even though he could not unload his entire arsenal. He delivered enough to make it as uncomfortable as possible for his determined but overpowered enemy. In the fourth round, Abdullaev was hit so much that blood ran down his nose and ran down his legs.
The ring doctor threw a long hard look at the Russian boxer, as did referee Charlie Fitch, who was instructed to stop the fight.
The official time was 3h of the fourth lap.
Haney scores at 23-0 (15KO) with the win, already his third over 2019. He could add one more to his campaign, as there are ideas to place him on the November 9 game card between the celebrities of YouTube, Logan Paul and KSI live on DAZN at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
"I'm talking to my promoter on November 9," confirmed Haney about recent rumors about his involvement on the map, which will be announced Saturday. "I think it's good for boxing, it brings in new fans and gets me back in the ring."
It also keeps him active for the fight he really wants.
Somewhere on the road, a title will be played, either against Lomachennko or who holds the title when playing his turn.
It remains to be seen whether Lomachenko is as willing or not. Haney does not hold his breath.
"It's not machenko because he does not want to beat me," insists the rising star, who will celebrate his 21st birthday soon after his next fight proposed in November. "Lomachenko, let the battle begin! If I am so easy, No-machenko should beat me and make me run away.
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
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