Haney uses boxing smarts to make history, beats Kambosos to become undisputed lightweight world champion
- Unbeaten American becomes first in modern boxing history to hold all titles at weight
- WBC title holder successfully defended his belt for a fifth time and in the process took the WBA, IBF and WBO straps off Kambosos
Unbeaten American Devin Haney fought a “smart fight” to comfortably beat Australia’s George Kambosos on points on Sunday and become the first undisputed lightweight world champion in modern boxing history.
Highly rated WBC title holder Haney, a clear favourite, successfully defended his belt for a fifth time and in the process took the WBA, IBF and WBO straps off Kambosos with a unanimous verdict in Melbourne.
Victory made him the first undisputed lightweight champion since Pernell Whitaker in 1992 and the first in the four-belt era, which began in 2004.
Kambosos was undone by Haney’s sensational speed, instinct and relentless left jab that frustrated the Australian who struggled to land enough big blows.
It was a defensive masterclass by the American, whose slick skills and tactical nous won the day in front of a 41,000-strong pro-Kambosos crowd at an electric Marvel Stadium.
All three judges scored in Haney’s favour, 116-112, 116-112 and 118-110.
“This is a dream come true,” said Haney, who got a big boost on the eve of the fight when his father and lead trainer Bill was granted an 11th-hour visa after initially being denied entry to Australia over a three-decades-old drugs conviction.
“I knew this was a big moment, it would have hurt me to win this without my dad so I’m glad he was here in my corner.