Ukrainian Boxer Lomachenko Faces Tough Loss Against Haney in Las Vegas
Two-time Olympic champion Oleksiy Tishchenko weighed in on the contest between Vasily Lomachenko and American Devin Haney, urging Lomachenko to press more aggressively in the match. He suggested that a more active approach could have produced a victory that deservedly would have belonged to Lomachenko.
According to Tishchenko, Lomachenko entered the bout with ample opportunities to secure the win, but the judges ultimately awarded the decision in Haney’s favor, a result he attributed in part to the competition taking place in Las Vegas, a city strongly associated with American boxing fans and media influence. Tishchenko stated that Lomachenko should have converted his chances into a clearer triumph, especially considering the fight was held in the United States. He added that Lomachenko would have benefited from a more convincing performance against an American champion on home soil and that the Ukrainian athlete should take responsibility for the outcome.
Haney secured a unanimous decision in a title bout for the undisputed lightweight championship. The bout, contested in the weight class up to 61.2 kilograms, spanned 12 rounds in Las Vegas and concluded with Haney on the right side of every judge’s card.
With this victory, the United States extended its undefeated streak to 30 wins, including 15 by knockout. For Lomachenko, the defeat marked the third loss in his professional career to date. The outcome has sparked discussion about judging perspectives and the importance of adapting strategy when facing a home-country favorite in a high-stakes title fight.
Former four-weight world champion Roy Jones Jr. spoke up about the broader principle at stake, emphasizing that every athlete should have the right to represent his country with the national flag in international competitions. His commentary underlines the ongoing debate about national pride, fair play, and the global stage on which boxing athletes perform, particularly in matches that capture the public imagination and polarize viewers across continents. The conversation continues as fans and analysts dissect the performance, the decision, and the implications for Lomachenko’s career going forward. This event remains a focal point for discussions about judging, venue advantage, and the enduring appeal of world-class boxing in the United States and beyond.