Devin Haney-George Kambosos Jr. produced dominance … and an pointless rematch

“There shall be no rematch.”

“Are not looking for one.”

The change of views between Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa, which Creed defeated within the first spherical of the basic movie collection, appears apt, after Devin Haney dominated George Kambosos Jr. over 12 rounds in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday night time (Sunday afternoon in Australia) to overcome the undisputed light-weight championship.

Actually, what else is there to see? It’s not like Kambosos possesses soul – crushing energy or simply had a nasty night time. It’s simply onerous to think about what Kambosos can do in a different way after seeing 12 principally non-competitive rounds in his house nation. The 2 116-112 scorecards don’t precisely depict the match. The third was 118-110.

However it’s overwhelmingly seemingly that Haney (28-0, 15 KOs) and Kambosos will run again. In any case, Kambosos (20-1, 10 KOs) known as photographs as champions, and Haney agreed to land the chance. The settlement included a rematch clause which, if exploited, ensures Kambosos a return assembly later this yr, additionally in Australia.

“Sure, 100% … we are going to do it once more,” mentioned Kambosos when requested if he would train the rematch clause. “Look, I gave him the shot. If I had not given him this shot, he wouldn’t have had his second proper now.

“He grabbed and held lots and did what he needed to do to win. That’s what it’s about. You do what it’s important to do to win, and at this time they gave him the choice, however I’m certain. that it’s going to change after we get it again on … This can make me hungrier. “

There is no such thing as a doubt that Kambosos believes in these phrases. It’s onerous to doubt the 28-year-old’s steely willpower after doing precisely what he swore he would do in opposition to Teofimo Lopez in November to gather 4 light-weight titles.

Kambosos scored a knockdown within the opening spherical of that match – ESPN’s yr of pity – to announce his arrival on the world stage.

However after 12 rounds in opposition to Haney, a fighter with a very totally different type than Lopez, there is not going to be a lot thirst from the general public after a rematch. And why ought to there be?

The battle was, to place it politely, tactical all through. Haney boxed brilliantly and used his wonderful plug to equalize Kambosos’ energy shot. The technique was executed to perfection. Haney by no means took any dangers, however as an alternative selected to field and transfer and stick the plug to the physique and head.

Hardly ever did an influence punch get related from any of the boxers. In accordance with CompuBox, Haney landed 69 energy photographs in comparison with 68 from Kambosos. There was not a shred of drama within the match, not a single second the place it appeared like Kambosos may win.

That’s not to say that he doesn’t deserve a rematch. As Kambosos identified, Haney solely bought the chance as a result of Kambosos gave it to him. Kambosos may very nicely have chosen any variety of far simpler opponents for a returning title protection.

As a substitute, he determined to hunt out essentially the most tough problem out there. And which means we’ll virtually definitely get to see 12 extra rounds between Kambosos and Haney.

“I don’t duck or dodge anybody,” mentioned Haney, 23. “If it is smart, if the community needs it, I’ll do it once more. Nevertheless it should make sense.”

It doesn’t make a lot sense, however the contract replaces every part. Haney’s solely actual path to a battle with one other opponent is to desert the 4 135-pound titles he gained and transfer as much as 140 kilos.

So as an alternative of potential matches with Ryan Garcia or Gervonta Davis, Haney can stay up for one other match with Kambosos. One other win by Haney will ship them every to his personal.

The pointless rematch is an integral a part of boxing, a sport wherein the champion or the A-team has an infinite quantity of energy. Look no additional than the upcoming rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua for the United Heavyweight Championship. Joshua went into the primary match with three titles, however was solidly dominated and virtually stopped by Usyk.

Joshua, after all, had the rematch clause to fall again on. And true masters at all times consider that they will discover a method to get revenge. And that’s precisely how Kambosos feels proper after. In any case, the percentages had been stacked in opposition to him when he challenged Lopez final yr.

Possibly cooler heads will win, and Kambosos will a minimum of agree to permit a brief title battle earlier than assembly Haney once more, however that doesn’t appear very seemingly.

“I’ve to implement just a few issues, however I believed the battle was very shut,” Kambosos mentioned. “He moved. He boxed. He would not likely get into the battle an excessive amount of, nevertheless it’s his sport, so I give him respect. I need to change just a few issues and get him again on the finish of this yr.

“I take the danger. I battle with one of the best within the enterprise. On the finish of the day, I didn’t must battle him. Not many needed to battle him. However I gave him the shot straight away, so I’m certain we are going to do it once more. “