ShoBox results: Haney dominates Ndongeni, perhaps graduates from series

Badlefthook.com

Lightweight prospect Devin Haney came into this fight openly stating that he wanted it to be his last on ShoBox: The New Generation, feeling that he’s ready to graduate from the series that has showcased three fights in his young pro career.

The 20-year-old Haney improved to 21-0 (13 KO) with a pretty dominant performance against South Africa’s Xolisani Ndongeni (25-0, 13 KO), winning on scores of 99-90, 100-89, and 100-89. BLH had it 100-89 for Haney.

Haney dominated statistically, landing 40% of his total punches and 47% of his power punches, doubling the rates of landed shots for Ndongeni, who served as a solid step-up opponent but was never seriously in the bout. Haney dropped Ndongeni in the second round, and had him hurt late in the 10th and final round, too. As ShoBox’s Barry Tompkins put it, Haney essentially did everything but stop his opponent, and it certainly wasn’t for lack of trying.

Obviously there are bigger and tougher nights to come for Haney, but he’s impressed at each level so far, and he’s a legitimately skilled prospect, someone who has earned a look at the next level, and will be expected to impress.

“I’m a fuckin’ contender,” Haney said after the fight. “I want those top fights, like I said. Now they really can’t deny me. I’ve been saying this for a long time, but now, I’m a fuckin’ contender.”

He added that he would “absolutely” take a world title fight next.

In the co-feature, featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (15-0, 5 KO) had it pretty much his way throughout against Ruben Cervera (10-1, 9 KO), winning on unanimous scores of 80-72. The 21-year-old Villa was in full control over all eight rounds. In the opener, heavyweight Frank Sanchez Faure of Cuba improved to 11-0 (9 KO) with a second round knockout of Willie Jake Jr (8-2-1, 2 KO).