Devin Haney has taken a swipe at the man who promoted his successful undisputed lightweight title defence against Vasiliy Lomachenko – Bob Arum – and confirmed his current promotional state.
The 24-year-old beat Lomachenko over the distance in a close and extremely technical affair, Haney’s impressive work to the body of the elite Ukrainian clearly catching the eyes of the judges.
There was controversy in the aftermath. Following boos from the crowd and Loma saying he had won the fight, many analysts, fans and fellow fighters joined in with that opinion.
One man who expressed it – and was caught on a hot mic doing so – was Top Rank’s Arum. He told Lomachenko and his manager, Egis Klimas, ‘you won that easy’ at the post-fight presser.
Haney caught wind of it, and addressed it on his social media, claiming the 91-year-old promoter was asleep at ringside.
Bob old ass was sleep all fight.. I took a look at him between rounds 😴
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) May 23, 2023
The response comes amidst rumours that Haney has signed with Top Rank for two more fights having been there for three already.
The four-belt champion signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom USA in April of 2019 after building up a record of 21 bouts undefeated. He boxed under Hearn for five fights, winning the WBC world title in the process, before an opportunity to become undisputed arose.
To make the fight with unified champion, George Kambosos Jr, happen, Haney moved to Top Rank for the fight, a rematch clause – which he won handily to retain the belts – and a third fight, which ended up being that of Lomachenko.
Responding to a question about resigning with Arum two days before the fight took place, Haney simply said “Absolutely not” – all but confirming that he’s open to a bit of shopping around before making a decision.
Haney’s next fight is expected to be mandatory challenger Shakur Stevenson – who is with Top Rank – but that’s only if he decides to stay at the weight rather than move up to 140lbs.