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Boxing world rages over 'disrespectful' Aussie act towards Devin Haney

Devin Haney and George Kambosos, pictured here after their boxing bout in Melbourne.
Devin Haney and George Kambosos look on after their boxing bout in Melbourne. Image: Getty

Australian boxing fans have been condemned around the world after once again booing the American national anthem before George Kambosis' fight with Devin Haney in Melbourne on Sunday.

A defiant Kambosos is vowing to rise again after a second successive defeat to emerging US great Haney left the former world lightweight champion seemingly at a career crossroad.

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Haney drew comparisons with the legendary Floyd Mayweather after battering a brave but outclassed Kambosos at Rod Laver Arena to remain the undisputed king of one of boxing's hottest divisions.

Haney's second unanimous points decision not only denied the Aussie fighter the WBA, WBO, WBC and IBF titles, but also cast a cloud over Kambosos' future.

There were unsavoury scenes before the fight even began when some sections of the crowd booing the American national anthem.

The same thing occurred before Kambosos and Haney's first fight in June, with Americans once again left seething over the 'disrespectful' actions of Aussie fans.

Kambosos vows to fight again after loss to Haney

Kambosos had been unbeaten in his first 20 professional fights and owned three of the four lightweight straps after stunning Teofimo Lopez late last year.

The 29-year-old Sydneysider accepts he "could have milked" the division but opted to take on Haney, a future Hall of Famer, for his title defence.

"This isn't the end," Kambosos said after throwing everything at the champion but also copping plenty in return in an exciting, explosive sequel to their somewhat dull June encounter at Marvel Stadium.

"I'm still a big, big name in the world of boxing. I hope you guys don't forget the 'Ferocious' Kambosos ... I'll be back. There's still some big fights out there for me."

Kambosos had been bidding to become the first Australian to unify a division in the 18-year four-belt era.

Devin Haney, pictured here walking out to the ring prior to his fight with George Kambosos.
Devin Haney walks out to the ring prior to his fight with George Kambosos. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

But Haney delivered another masterclass to extend his unbeaten record to 29 wins from 29 fights.

And while the outcome was the same as their first stoush, the manner of Haney's victory was vastly different.

Controversially omitted from the sport's top-10 pound-for-pound rankings, the defensive genius showcased his attacking prowess to batter Kambosos almost into submission.

"He's a great fighter and for me to have the guts to go again with him - he gave me a good boxing lesson the first time that I came here," the Australian fighter said.

"I gave it my all, had a great preparation. You know, he's slick, man. He's a good boxer. This guy's going to be here for a long time.

"But I don't know how long Devin Haney's going to hang around in the 135 division. He's big, he's rangy. He could go up to 140.

"We'll see what Devin does next and what opportunities present themselves and I'm very confident we can bring a great action fight and that I can beat all these other guys in the 135s. I will be champion again."

Devin Haney, pictured here celebrating with girlfriend India Love after his victory over George Kambosos.
Devin Haney celebrates with girlfriend India Love after his victory over George Kambosos. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

Kambosos promised more urgency in Sunday's return bout and stole the opening round with a late flurry of blows that had the crowd on their feet.

But the American hit back with a heavy right as both combatants attacked with infinitely more desperation than four months ago.

Also bleeding from a head cut, a courageous Kambosos did well to stay on his feet after copping a pounding in round 10.

The warrior preserved his record of never being stopped but the result was not in doubt, with the three judges awarding Haney the bout 119-109, 118-10 and 118-110.

"He's a warrior," Haney said. "I take my hat off to George Kambosos."

with AAP

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