MGM Grand, Las Vegas - Vasiliy Lomachenko (17-3, 11 KOs) was not pleased with the outcome of his big fight for the undisputed lightweight championship.
Devin Haney (30-0, 15 KOs) overcame a big second half rally by Lomachenko (17-3, 11 KOs) to win a twelve round unanimous decision.
The scores were 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 for Haney.
At 35-years-old, the opportunity to become an undisputed world champion may have been the last for Lomachenko.
Fans at the arena showered the outcome with heavy rain of boos.
Lomachenko admits that he expected Haney to be a better fighter and does not view him as a pound-for-pound type of boxer.
"I don’t want to talk about [the decision]. All the people saw what happened today. Before, I thought he would be better. He’s a tough fighter. He’s a good fighter. But he’s not a pound-for-pound fighter," Lomachenko said.
“I think I showed that I can still be in boxing. I’m in good shape now. And see you next time. Right now I want to go back home and support my country and support my Ukrainian orthodox church.”
There is a good possibility that Haney will move up in weight to 140-pounds - which in turn would leave four world titles vacant and open up the door for Lomachenko to at least go for one or more world titles - based on his ranking. He could also move down in weight to super featherweight, where other opportunities could come up for him.