LAS VEGAS – Devin Haney used to be on his solution to a one-sided, in all probability star-making efficiency when Jorge Linares reminded him why he used to be a three-division global champion.
At the tip of the tenth spherical, Linares badly harm Haney and Haney stumbled in opposition to the nook. Linares patted him in eleventh position as Haney got here out with shaky legs after which made some excellent photographs in twelfth.
But Haney had sufficient begins on Saturday to take the lead in his battle for the WBC light-weight identify at Mandalay Bay and win a unanimous choice. Judges Steve Weisfeld and Patricia Morse-German for Heaney had 116–112. Dave Moretti favors Honey 115-113. Yahoo Sports had 115-113 for Honey.
It used to be essentially the most impressive efficiency for Haney, who stood within the pocket and again and again punched Linares. Linares’ left eye temporarily swelled within the battle, and he used to be receiving a large number of punishment from the fast paced Honey.
At the tip of tenth, Linares picked up the tempo, in all probability realizing that his possibilities had been working out. He stuck Honey with a hook after which a multi-punch mixture simply earlier than the bell. Honey stumbled into his nook and did smartly to not pass down.
Linares used to be commanding the eleventh and lots of the twelfth. Haney in spite of everything seemed to put his ft down in twelfth and fought smartly with Linares, his hardest profession check, the remainder of the best way.
He is among the 4 elite lightweights, however has confronted the lightest opposition. Linares used to be contested to offer him that high-profile, revered rival.
Linares has gained titles in featherweight, tremendous featherweight and light-weight and is a brilliant, technically savvy fighter who nonetheless has excellent tempo.
But Honey’s hand motion is 2nd and he used to be punching her again and again whilst status in entrance of Linares.
Champions like Linares do not pass down simply and he controlled to hold on past due and switch the tide in what gave the impression of a defeat in a profitable battle.
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