Former world champion Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni says undisputed lightweight king Devin “The Dream” Haney is too powerful for his next challenger Vasiliy
“Loma” Lomachenko.
Haney, who is the undisputed IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO lightweight champion, will put all of his gold on the line against the dangerous Ukrainian Lomachenko on May 20.
“The Dream,” as Haney is known, became the undisputed lightweight king with an emphatic win over George Kambosos Jr in Australia last year.
Haney will now trade leather with Lomachenko, a former unified world champion at the weight, hoping to cement his status as one of best in the history of the division.
And Ndongeni, who has previously shared the ring with Haney back in 2019, believes the American is the favourite to win.
The unanimous decision defeat Ndongeni suffered at the hands of Haney was the first for the South African, and he’s since only lost to Prince Dlomo.
“I think Haney will just have too much for Lomachenko, and I say this from experience because I have been in the ring with the guy,” Ndongeni told Sunday World.
“I know he was a bit younger when I fought him, but he was already a top fighter and had all the skill. It wasn’t as polished as it is now so you can imagine how good he is now. I just think he has too much power, skill and boxing IQ for a guy like Loma-chenko. He can do anything in the boxing ring; he can maintain the same pace from the first to the last round.
“And one thing that will work against Lomachenko is his age. But don’t get me wrong, Loma is still a good fighter and will make this a good contest.”
Ndongeni reckons the only fighter who can give Haney a tough time in the division is Shakir Stevenson, who is waiting in the wings.
“I’m not saying he would beat Haney, but I’m sure he would be a very difficult customer for him and that’s a fight that we will definitely see in the future.”
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