Haney crowned undisputed lightweight champion after 'smart' win over Kambosos

American cruises to points decision victory in Melbourne to become eighth fighter to win all four belts in the same division

Devin Haney of the US celebrates after defeating Australia's George Kambosos in the lightweight unification title boxing bout to become the undisputed lightweight champion of the world in Melbourne on June 5, 2022. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE --

Devin Haney celebrates after defeating George Kambosos at Marvel Stadium. Getty

Devin Haney and George Kambosos trade punches during their undisputed lightweight bout. AFP

Devin Haney throws a punch at George Kambosos during their lightweight bout in Melbourne. AFP

Devin Haney and George Kambosos during their lightweight title bout in Melbourne. AFP

Devin Haney lands a jab on George Kambosos during their bout at Marvel Stadium. Getty

Devin Haney lands a right hook on George Kambosos during their lightweight title bout. AFP

George Kambosos and Devin Haney during their world lightweight title bout. EPA

George Kambosos and Devin Haney during their undisputed lightweight title bout. EPA

Devin Haney lands a right hook on George Kambosos Jr during their bout in Melbourne. Getty

George Kambosos walks to the ring prior to his bout against Devin Haney. Getty

George Kambosos enters this ring ahead of his world lightweight title bout against Devin Haney. EPA

Devin Haney walks to the ring to fight George Kambosos at Marvel Stadium. Getty

Devin Haney enters the ring to fight George Kambosos. Getty

Devin Haney made his "dream come true" after cruising to a comfortable points win over George Kambosos on Sunday to become the the first undisputed lightweight world champion in modern boxing history.

WBC title holder Haney successfully defended his belt for a fifth time and in the process took the WBA, IBF and WBO straps off Kambosos with a unanimous verdict in Melbourne.

Victory made him the first undisputed lightweight champion since Pernell Whitaker in 1992 and the first in the four-belt era, which began in 2004.

Kambosos was undone by Haney's sensational speed, instinct and relentless jab that frustrated the Australian who struggled to land enough big shots. It was a defensive masterclass by the American, whose slick skills and tactical nous proved too much in front of a 41,000-strong pro-Kambosos crowd at Marvel Stadium.

All three judges scored in Haney's favour, 116-112, 116-112 and 118-110.

"This is a dream come true," said Haney, who received a boost on the eve of the fight when his father and lead trainer Bill was granted a last-minute visa after initially being denied entry to Australia over a three-decades-old criminal conviction.

"I knew this was a big moment, it would have hurt me to win this without my dad so I'm glad he was here in my corner.

"I was comfortable," Haney, 23, added. "I was sticking to the game plan to hit and not get hit. I fought a smart fight. I handicapped him of his best things."

Victory stretched his phenomenal record to 28-0 with 15 KOs while Kambosos, 28, suffered his first professional defeat in 21 bouts since making his professional debut in 2013.

The win elevates Haney to an exclusive club of fighters. He is only the eighth boxer to hold all four belts from the major sanctioning bodies – WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO – at the same time.

There was a rematch clause in the fight contract and Kambosos vowed: "I will be back".

Kambosos, who stunned Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden in November to claim his titles, was originally in talks to fight Vasiliy Lomachenko in his first title defence. But the plans fell through when the Ukrainian opted to stay in his homeland after Russia invaded which opened the door to Haney.

"I have to change a few things and I will get him back later this year," said Kambosos. "I landed a few shots, but he had a smart game plan and did what he had to do to win. He got the decision and respect to him."