What We Learned From Devin Haney vs. Yuriorkis Gamboa

 

An easy night at the office for Devin Haney wasn't without its share of issues

Hot on the heels of Gervonta Davis and Teofimo Lopez’s star-making performances, WBC Lightweight champion Devin Haney made the first defense of his title against aged and faded former two-division champion Yuriokis Gamboa. Haney was just too many things for the 38-year-old, practically pitching a shutout by the end of the night.

Haney’s win highlights an emerging division that’s become unexpectedly deep with talent, but what statement was made in his victory last weekend?

Expecting The Expected

Gamboa, left, never stood a chance against Haney

 

The biggest problem for Haney last night was something that is out of his control. He is a reigning and defending world champion. While he didn’t win the title in the ring, the WBC elevated him to a full champ via email, Haney needed to prove that he was worthy of the title. He couldn’t have asked for an easier opponent, but he needed to win in a big way to damper the blow back that comes with fighting a shot veteran like Gamboa.

Instead, Haney played it safe and let Gamboa take him the distance. Keep in mind that against Davis, Gamboa was dropped three times before being stopped. There’s nothing wrong with a win, but it’s not a good look when Haney previously promised to beat Gamboa in a way he hasn’t been beaten before.

Champion In Training

A belt doesn't make a fighter.

 

The concept of a champion in training wheels isn’t new in the sport, especially with the WBC. Saul Alvarez and Andre Berto were the most notable examples of fighters who got belts early on in their career. They became champions due to timing and technicalities. Their initial title runs were rife with subpar opponents until they eventually had to step up their game. Canelo flourished, Berto floundered.

Davis and Lopez have gone above and beyond to prove that they are worthy of their hardware. Haney and his team can’t walk away from the Gamboa fight expecting this to be his coming out fight. Ironically, Haney would have all the praise and almost none of the flak if he came into this fight without a world title.

Haney Shouldn’t Chase Lopez or Davis Yet.

 

Haney should target a top ten contender in 2021.

 

The champ has called out Davis and Lopez throughout the buildup and aftermath of his fight. There is nothing that I saw last weekend that suggests he’d fare well against either man. I also don't like his chances against recently disposed champion Vasyl Lomachenko. There’s potential there, but making a Haney/Davis or Haney/Lopez fight would be a cash out for Haney and Eddie Hearn at this point. It is a blessing for him that there is enough red tape involved to prevent those fights from happening.

However, a champion needs a foil and Haney needs legitimacy. A quick look at the division gives me two standout foes for Haney to face in 2021: Javier Fortuna and Jorge Linares. Fortuna is as tough as they come and would serve as a major step up, and besides a bogus decision loss to Robert Easter in 2018, he’s faced solid opponents. Linares saw his fight against Ryan Garcia go up in smoke, but he’d jump at a chance to reclaim his old title.

There’s a lot to like with Haney, but he’s going to have to endure a lot of frustration while defending his title over the next few months.