DEVIN Haney boxed in a safety-first manner last night, defeating Jose Ramirez by unanimous decision in a fight few will go back and re-watch. The pair engaged little in their chief support, serving as the second of three main events, in New York’s Times Square last night.
Two judges, Glenn Feldman and Mark Consentino, gave Haney all but one round, scoring it 119-109 in his favour. The third judge, Kevin Morgan, scored it 118-110. A backfoot boxer will often repeat the mantra “skills play the bills”, but Haney left with little credit in the bank after this lacklustre distance scrap.
By the end of the rinse-and-repeat sessions, Haney landed 70 punches and Ramirez, who followed him around all evening, landed 40. Seeking to shake off any ring rust from a year out or exorcise any demons still lingering from the Ryan Garcia loss (later changed to a no-contest) last April, Devin looked tentative early on.
He barely moved past that state, flicking out the usually dependable jab as Ramirez buzzed inside and out, landing little of consequence himself. The commentary team became increasingly bemused and frustrated by Haney’s tactics, but this is what he has done many times before.
The winner improves to 32-0 (15 KOs) with the one no-contest floating in the background. Jose Ramirez falls to 29-3 (18 KOs). It was one to forget for the fans and both fighters. Referee David Fields had little to do.
“He’s called The Dream and Devin probably put a few people to sleep,” quipped veteran broadcaster Jim Lampley.
