Kambosos vs Haney LIVE: Stream, latest updates and fight result tonight
Re-live updates from the main event at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium
Devin Haney became undisputed lightweight champion on Sunday with a unanimous-decision win against George Kambosos Jr, putting on a clinic to beat the Australian in hostile territory in Melbourne. Both fighters entered the main-event contest with belts on their shoulders and unbeaten records to boot, but it was Haney who left Marvel Stadium with all the gold, adding Kambosos Jr’s WBA, WBO and IBF titles to his WBC strap.
American Haney, 23, produced a near-shutout performance to dethrone Kambosos Jr and hand the 28-year-old the first defeat of his professional career, with the judges’ scorecards somewhat kind to the Australian in reading 116-112, 116-112, 118-110. From the opening bell Haney fought from behind his jab, timing his shots well and disrupting the rhythm of Kambosos Jr as the home fighter looked to counter-punch. Haney stayed disciplined and consistent throughout the bout, while Kambosos Jr became increasingly frustrated as he began to sport bruises and miss with lunging hooks.
Bad blood seemed be boiling in the lead-up to the fight, but rather than spilling it over it simply evaporated after the decision was announced, with both lightweights paying one another respect. “I take my hat off to him, because he’s a true warrior,” Haney said. “Even though he got disrespectful, I stayed a gentleman and I stayed respectful. I want to thank George Kambosos and all of Australia for coming out.”
Re-live updates below.
Kambosos Jr vs Haney
Here we go, folks. There are chants for Kambosos Jr as the first bell sounds!
A lot of intense face-offs and back-and-forths this week.
Let’s see how that translates in this main event.
We’re under way!
Kambosos Jr vs Haney
There are approximately 50,000 fans in attendance at Marvel Stadium for this huge clash.
Kambosos Jr vs Haney
The icon Bruce Buffer is making the introductions...
Kambosos Jr vs Haney
Cheers for home fighter Kambosos Jr as he emerges!
Kambosos Jr vs Haney
We’re expecting the ring walks for Kambsos Jr vs Haney any moment now...
Kambosos Jr vs Haney
Haney was given a late boost by his father’s arrival in Australia. Bill Haney, who trains his son, was granted a visa on short notice and will be in the WBC champion’s corner in Marvel Stadium.
Kambosos Jr vs Haney
Kambosos Jr required two attempts to make weight on Friday, before declaring it was the “art of war, baby, deception”. The Australian continued: “Let them believe that this was done. Anything is for a cause, anything is for a process. Trust me. Tomorrow, just be here. Art of war, deception, maybe I did it on purpose.”
Kambosos Jr vs Haney
In his last outing, 28-year-old Kambosos Jr earned a career-defining victory over Teofimo Lopez, dethroning the American with a split-decision win in November. Meanwhile, 23-year-old Haney outpointed Joseph Diaz last April to retain his WBC title.
Kambosos Jr vs Haney
Haney will be in hostile territory at Marvel Stadium as he puts his WBC belt on the line, while Australian Kambosos Jr defends his WBO, WBA and IBF straps against the American. Each fighter will also look to remain undefeated in the main-event contest, with Haney’s professional record standing at 27-0 (15 knockouts), while Kambosos Jr is 20-0 (10 KOs).
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