Devin Haney vs Vasiliy Lomachenko fight verdict and suggested bets

Devin Haney (29-0) will defend his undisputed lightweight title against Vasyl Lomachenko (17-2) in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

This 12-round lightweight title clash will take place on Saturday, May 20 at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas. The undercard will get underway at 3am Sunday (BST). The main ringwalks are expected at around 5am (BST).

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Devin Haney vs Vasyl Lomachenko over 10.5 rounds

In a division packed with talent Haney, 24, will attempt to become front and central again after finally getting a match-up with the elder statesman Lomachenko, 35.

The pair have been on a collision course for a while, but they will finally meet in what looks like being a chess match at the MGM Grand.

Lomachenko's shock defeat to Teofimo Lopez and the war in Ukraine curtailed his efforts to get in the ring with Haney and the American is confident the decorated amateur's time has gone.

"I feel like he should have fought me four years ago. But now the time has come. It's going to be worse for him than it would have been had we fought back then," said Haney.

The pair are both technically gifted and anyone expecting a slugest may as well switch off because this will be a clash where the emphasis will be on skill and closing the distance.

Haney is the 2/5 favourite and after disposing of George Kambosos Jr twice it's easy to see why he is being talked about as an elite champion. He has a rapier-like left-hand jab and is extremely switched on from the first bell, taking zero risks.

His accuracy is one of his major facets and in the rematch against the Australian, in his own backyard, he was on point despite Kambosos' front-foot tactics.

Haney proved too good for Kambosos, landing straight combinations and his powerful overhand right almost at will.

Kambosos, who has only ever lost to Haney, simply could not land on the elusive American and Haney was the unanimous points winner with scores of 119-109, 118-110, 118-110.

Haney will come up against a southpaw and he has not faced too many of those recently, although he did defeat Joseph Diaz in 2021. But that will allow him to throw straight right hands after landing his jab.

Lomachenko is a volume puncher with solid footwork, but his workrate will be matched by Haney.

The former Olympic champion also possesses vast experience and a boxing IQ that many claim is unrivalled.

He often takes a few rounds to work out his opponent and he won't be able to do that against Haney, who will take those rounds without a problem.

Lomachenko will need to start quickly, but he is more renowned for wearing down his opponents and he came on strong last time out to beat Jamaine Oritz by unanimous decision in New York in October.

Haney, though, is naturally the bigger man and he has spoken about moving up to 140lbs. 'The Dream' Haney is also over 10 years younger than Lomachenko and a defeat could well see the end of his 20 professional fight career.

Haney (5' 8") is also one inch taller than Lomachenko (5' 7") and has a big advantage in reach - 71 inches to 65.5 inches. That was a factor when Lomachenko lost to Teofimo Lopez in 2020, with Lopez making his jab count.

Neither possesses real knockout power, with Haney's 15 knock-outs leading to just over a 50% knockout ratio, while his older opponent has 11 knockouts from his 17 victories.

With that in mind, expect the contest to go the distance (2/9). And from there on in it could be a close call on the cards, but Haney's unerring accuracy should get him the vote.

Haney's ability to clinch when required and his tight defence will make him hard to hit and if Lomachenko takes too long to work him out, the fight could already be won.