Devin Haney produced a scintillating display in dismantling Zaur Abdullaev in four rounds to land become the interim WBC World Lightweight champion at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
Haney (23-0 15 KOs) promised to dazzle in the biggest night of his career and first in the Big Apple, and the Las Vegas sensation backed up every word against the dangerous unbeaten Russian, showing every weapon in his arsenal over four rounds before Abdullaev’s corner pulled their man out, with the Russian suffering a suspected broken eye-socket from a crunching right hook.
‘The Dream’ is now mandatory challenger for the WBC crown held by Ukrainian star Vasiliy Lomachenko, who also holds the WBA and WBO straps, and the 20 year old made it clear he’s the man he wants – but also expects to be back in action soon, targeting a return on the KSI vs. Logan Paul rematch bill at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on November 9, live on DAZN.
“It’s No-machenko because he doesn’t want to fight me,” said Haney. “Lomachenko, let’s get this fight going! Abdullaev was number two and I destroyed him. If I’m so easy, No-machenko should fight me and get me out of the way.
“I’ve been talking to Eddie Hearn about November 9. I think it’s good for the sport of boxing, brings new fans, and gets me back in the ring.
“I felt good on my performance. I wasn’t nearly done beating him, I was just warming up. I’m happy with the win.
“I don’t usually study because I learn fast. I can make quick adjustments anytime and that’s what I did tonight.”