It might have been controversial — with some media and fans alike feeling like Vasiliy Lomachenko did enough to defeat Devin Haney — however, all three judges saw it in Haney's favor Saturday night as he retained his undisputed lightweight world championship.
And with the unanimous decision and biggest victory of his career, the 24-year-old Haney (30-0, 15 KOs) has plenty of options for his next fight. Here are a few possible next opponents out there for the "Dream."
Shakur Stevenson
Look, Stevenson made it a point to confront Haney following the latter's win over Lomachenko. And when Haney declared himself "No. 1," Stevenson retorted "for now" as a caveat.
Stevenson then held court in the ring after Haney exited, calling out the undisputed lightweight champ and flat out saying that the "Dream" is "not on my level."
Defending his undisputed crown against Stevenson would afford Haney with the opportunity to prove the Newark, New Jersey product wrong and also make the definitive statement that critics could argue he failed to make against Lomachenko.
Simply put — a Haney vs. Stevenson mega bout pits two of the best 25-and-under undefeated fighters against each other with 135-pound boxing skill supremacy and legacy on the line in a must-see fight.
Stevenson has been clamoring for it next.
During his post-fight press conference, Haney acknowledged that he and Stevenson are "definitely on a collision course."
Why not make it happen next?
Gervonta Davis
Ask Davis and Haney how their sparring session went years back and each man will claim they got the better of the other.
Why not settle this on the largest stage possible all while breaking the bank and etching another chapter of your boxing legend? Those are some of the high stakes that a blockbuster Haney vs. "Tank" Davis fight for the undisputed crown would present.
Considering Haney owns all four major titles at 135 pounds with Davis holding the WBA "regular" lightweight strap, it may only be a matter of time before "Tank" thunders his way forward in trying to turn the "Dream" into an utter nightmare in what would be nothing short of an explosive, star-studded showdown.
Awaiting the winner of Josh Taylor vs. Teofimo Lopez Jr.
After edging Lomachenko on the cards, Haney admitted to ESPN that it's tough for him making weight at 135 pounds. That could signal a move up to 140 pounds and the junior welterweight division. Josh Taylor defends his WBO junior welterweight title against Teofimo Lopez Jr. on June 10 and what better way for Haney to make a splashy debut in the division than by clashing with the winner?
Such a scenario would give the undisputed crown holder the opportunity to add hardware in a new space, all while continuing to carve out his boxing legacy.