Closing in on the Showdown for Lightweight Supremacy

By: Kirk Jackson

Undefeated American star Devin “The Dream” Haney (29-0, 15 KO’s) is set to defend his undisputed lightweight championship against Ukraine’s three-division world champion Vasiliy “Hi-Tech” Lomachenko (17-2, 11 KO’s) this Saturday, May 20, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. 

This is a highly anticipated match-up, a legacy defining fight for both boxers and a significantly important fight in the historically rich, lightweight division.

Haney, 24, is the youngest undisputed champion in the four-belt era, while Lomachenko, former unified lightweight champion, is aiming to add another accomplishment to his already highly prestigious career.

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The PPV undercard also features a 10-round junior lightweight co-feature, between two-division world champion Oscar Valdez (30-1, 23 KO’s) and Adam “BluNose” Lopez (16-4, 6 KO’s) in a rematch of their 2019 encounter.

In the PPV opener, rising lightweight Raymond “Danger” Muratalla (17-0, 14 KO’s) will take on long-time contender Jeremia Nakathila (23-2, 19 KO’s) in a 10-round bout. 

Highlights from Wednesday’s press conference:

Devin Haney – Undisputed Lightweight champion (WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF)

“I feel like he should have fought me four years ago. But now the time has come. It’s going to be worse for him than it would have been had we fought back then.”

“On paper, this is my toughest test. But I look to make it an easy night. I look to make it as easy as possible and come out victorious.”

“I have been calling for this fight for four years. But the time has finally come. I take my hat off to him. I respect everything that he’s done. I respect his decision to stay and defend his country. That gave me my shot to go to Australia, so it was only right that I give him the shot as well.”

“I know what he is preparing for. But at the end of the day, we’re prepared for whatever he brings to the table. If he wants to make it a dirty fight, we have answers for that.”

Vasiliy Lomachenko – Former unified lightweight champion

“Camp was hard like always. But I was very motivating. It was motivating because I understand. It is my last chance to become undisputed. So, I pushed myself in every training session. And now there are just four days left.”

“He talks about the past, but It’s hard to say things about the past. You can’t change it. Even if you talk about it, you can’t change it. Only God can change it.”

“He is a high-level boxer. He understands boxing. He knows what he needs to do. He can use his reach. He can use his feet. He can create distance. But I have a lot of experience in this sport. It will be very interesting for me.” 

Haney vs. Lomachenko will stream live on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV, the event’s exclusive digital distributor in the United States, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Priced at $59.99 across all distributors, it also will be available via cable and satellite pay-per-view providers.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Devin Haney Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, tickets are on sale now at axs.com.