Promoter Bob Arum has no doubt that boxing fans will have a big bout at lightweight early next year. Absolute Champion Devin Haney preparing for the second defense of his belts against the former champion of three weight categories Vasily Lomachenko. The fight has been in the works since Haney signed with Top Rank Arum earlier this summer to face the then unified lightweight champion. George Kambosos Jr.. Haney outplayed Kambosos in June by unanimous decision and then did it again four months later in a contractual rematch.
Trouble has been brewing between Top Rank and Haney lately after Haney publicly criticized his promoter for being explicitly supportive of Lomachenko. Haney criticized Top Rank because it turned out that the company was trying to arrange this fight in May, which, Haney insisted, was not beneficial to him, because Haney is a Muslim, and will be busy with the Ramadan holiday for most of March and April. Ramadan includes prayers and fasting, the latter of which would not be ideal for a fighter preparing for a fight, especially against an opponent of Lomachenko's caliber. Haney said that he insists that the fight with Lomachenko take place before March.
In a recent interview, Arum stated that he spoke with Haney and his manager, coach and father, Bill, to clear up their misunderstanding.
"His next fight will be with Lomachenko," Arum told Boxing Social. — Now we are working on the date and place. But this will definitely be his next fight. Devin win or lose will be a very important factor in boxing. He is an amazing young man and a very good fighter. I like the way he carries himself. I like the way he fights. And in the person of Lomachenko, he will be opposed by a real master. So it will be a very interesting fight."
“Devin is very confident in himself,” Arum continued. - And it is right. And his father too. He is very smart. An amazing young man, and I like it when a fighter is confident in his abilities and ready to challenge anyone."
