Haney Vs. Lopez: Fight Off After Accusations Of Avoidance Surface

James

3 min read

Post on Jun 05, 2025

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Haney vs. Lopez: Fight Finally On After Accusations of Avoidance Surface

The highly anticipated lightweight unification bout between Devin Haney and Vasiliy Lomachenko is finally off, but not for the reasons many expected. Instead of a clash of titans in the ring, a war of words erupted, culminating in accusations of avoidance and a reshuffling of the boxing calendar. The fight's cancellation leaves fans wondering: who dodged whom, and what's next for these lightweight champions?

The Fallout from Lomachenko's Loss:

Vasiliy Lomachenko's recent defeat to Shakur Stevenson left a significant impact on the boxing world, and more importantly, on the potential Haney-Lomachenko superfight. Many analysts and fans believed a victory for Lomachenko would have solidified his position as the mandatory challenger for Haney's undisputed lightweight titles. However, with the loss, the path to unification became considerably murkier, opening the door for accusations of avoidance.

Accusations of Avoidance Fly:

Following Lomachenko's defeat, whispers of Haney avoiding a potential clash with the Ukrainian star began to circulate. These rumors gained traction when Haney opted to face another opponent, sparking accusations that he was prioritizing easier matchups to protect his undefeated record. This fueled a heated debate amongst boxing fans and pundits, further escalating tensions surrounding a possible Haney-Lomachenko showdown. Social media was ablaze with opinions, with some accusing Haney of ducking a dangerous fight and others defending his right to choose his opponents.

A New Challenger Emerges: Jorge Linares

Amidst the controversy, a new contender stepped into the spotlight: Jorge Linares. The veteran champion, known for his explosive style and impressive knockout power, presented a compelling alternative to Lomachenko. While not possessing the same level of name recognition as Lomachenko, Linares still offered a significant challenge for Haney, potentially delivering a more commercially viable fight given the recent uncertainty. The match-up was ultimately seen as a less risky proposition for Haney, solidifying the perception of him sidestepping the Lomachenko fight in the eyes of some critics.

Haney's Response and the Future:

Haney has vehemently denied accusations of avoidance, stating that he's always been willing to face the best. He has argued that his choice of opponents is based on strategic considerations and maximizing opportunities for his career. The fight with Linares, he claims, was simply the most viable option at the time. However, this explanation has done little to quell the controversy, leaving many fans and critics unconvinced.

The future remains uncertain for both Haney and Lomachenko. With Lomachenko’s future plans still unclear following his loss, the path to a unification bout remains uncertain. A rematch with Stevenson is a possibility, but the timing and likelihood are still up in the air. For Haney, the immediate focus is likely to be on his next defense of the undisputed titles, with the possibility of a Lomachenko fight further down the line – possibly depending on the outcome of Lomachenko's next bout.

What's Next? The Lightweight Division's Uncertainty:

The Haney-Lomachenko saga highlights the volatility and often-controversial nature of professional boxing. The constant negotiations, shifting alliances, and accusations of avoidance are all part of the sport’s captivating yet often frustrating landscape. The lightweight division, one of boxing's most exciting weight classes, now faces an uncertain future, with the potential for a rematch between Haney and Linares, or perhaps, eventually, the long-awaited clash between Haney and Lomachenko. Only time will tell how this dramatic chapter unfolds. Until then, the debate rages on.

Keywords: Devin Haney, Vasiliy Lomachenko, Jorge Linares, lightweight boxing, boxing news, boxing match, undisputed champion, avoidance controversy, boxing unification, Shakur Stevenson.