“A Slap in the Face to Shakur” – Fans React to Lightweight Rankings After Haney vs. Loma

Michael Benson tweeted today early morning that Vasiliy Lomachenko would be WBC’s number-one contender. Reigning undisputed Lightweight champion Devin Haney staved off Lomachenko’s challenge. Hence per available reports, the former plans to scale up to the Super Lightweight division. So it means that in the 135 lbs weight class, Shakur Stevenson moves to the second spot. So as the permutations and combinations converge, ‘Loma’ and Stevenson might have to slug it out to stake a claim at the WBC title vacated by Haney!

According to BoxingScene, team Lomachenko appealed to boxing’s governing bodies, such as WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF, to give him the Lightweight division’s pole position. The Ukrainian recently lost his third career bout to Devin Haney on May 20. It was a closely fought contest. But many were left doubtful, while quite a few were unsparing in criticism when the scorecards came around.

Shakur Stevenson surpasses Haney, fans challenge

The new update on the Lightweight ranking stirred a flurry of reactions. Placing Vasiliy Lomachenko at the number one spot after three losses, user Jay Good seems puzzled by the untoward order. According to him, it’s an affront to a boxer of Shakur Stevenson’s stature, who deserves to be the numero uno. But knowing Stevenson, Jay Good feels that the fighter probably wouldn’t mind letting Lomachenko stay at the top position.

Like many upset with the Haney-Lomachenko fight decision, user Mick seems happy and believes that Shakur Stevenson would fight way better than Devin Haney did. According to him, while facing ‘Loma,’ Haney appeared flippant, unthinking. Hence, he could only justify his reputation by having a rematch with the Ukrainian.

The following user supports the latest standing. He opines that the only way Devin Haney can justify his position as the pound-for-pound number one is by winning a match decisively.

One user finds it incredible that despite losing two most important matches of his career, Lomachenko gets to fight Shakur Stevenson. Though the user contends that Stevenson is a much better boxer than Haney and Teofimo Lopez, he believes that Lomachenko is preparing for this third significant loss of his professional life.

The following user has instead compounded an exciting combination. He said Devin Haney and Gervonta Davis should have a two-fight deal. The winner gets to fight the winner of the Lomachenko and Stevenson fight. That way, any air of doubt regarding the divisional number one clears.

It remains to be seen how the governing bodies approach the Ukrainian request. While Gervonta Davis is clearly at the top in WBA, IBF has the Argentine Gustavo Daniel Lemos. So that leaves WBC and WBO. Incidentally, Top Rank promotes both Lomachenko and Stevenson. Hence from a fan’s perspective, a match between the two to decide the number one shouldn’t face hurdles ideally.

Read More: Fans Criticize Shakur Stevenson for Stoking a Prospective Bout With a Fighter

What’s your take on the reactions? Do you think a Stevenson-Lomachenko fight would be better than the Haney-Lomachenko fight? Do share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson, and other potential opponents for Devin Haney after controversial victory against Vasyl Lomachenko