LAS VEGAS (AFP) - Devin Haney easily retained his WBC lightweight title on Saturday, winning by a unanimous decision over challenger Joseph Diaz in a 12-round clash that showcased one of boxing’s deepest divisions.
The unbeaten Haney, 23, built up a large lead on points in the early rounds at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas then outboxed Lopez down the stretch to raise his record to 27-0 with 15 KOs.
Haney proved to be too fast and too skilled for fellow American Lopez, who constantly moved forward but lacked an effective jab and didn’t take advantage during the few moments he had Haney covering up.
The 29-year-old Diaz came on strong in the 12th but by then it was too late as Haney had already won the majority of the rounds. Two judges scored it 117-111 and the third had it 116-112 for Haney.
Haney, who came in as a 7-1 favourite for the 135-pound clash, also took advantage of his two-inch height advantage and seven inches reach.
Former two-division champion Diaz had his eight-fight win streak snapped as his record dropped to 32-2-1 with 15 KOs.
Diaz said the judges gave too many rounds to Haney.
Haney is hoping his next fight will be against newly crowned unified king George Kambosos, who was at ringside Saturday.
Last weekend Kambosos shocked champion Teofimo Lopez to claim the WBA, WBO and IBF titles.
Kambosos told Haney after Saturday’s win that he wants to fight him in front of 80,000 fans at a stadium in his native Australia.