Haney dominates Santiago in unanimous decision to retain title

LOS ANGELES -- Devin Haney retained his WBC lightweight title by lopsided unanimous decision over 12 rounds, winning 120-107 on all three cards in the chief support bout to the KSI-Logan Paul rematch at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Haney did not get the knockout that most people had anticipated, but he still managed to impress against a difficult opponent.

"He was very crafty. I went in there and was able to adjust," Haney said. "I got this opponent on a week notice. I'm a true champion and can fight through everything. It's all experience, and it all comes with the fight game. l got the win, on to the next."

Haney (24-0, 15 KO's), 20, who became a 135-pound champion after pound-for-pound star Vasiliy Lomachenko was elevated to WBC "Franchise Champion," dropped Santiago (12-1, 4 KO's) to the floor in the fifth round, but Santiago was able to stay in the fight, and even caught Haney with short right counters on the inside.

Haney revealed after the fight that he suffered an injury.

"I feel all right," Haney said after the fight. "In one of the rounds I dislocated my right shoulder. I'm a true champion and still won every round.

"Not sure what round, but we was on the ropes, I threw a right and overextended. Like I said, I'm a true champion, fight through everything. On to the next."

In three of his last five fights, Haney has gone the distance, but this bout was the first time that Haney has went 12 rounds. Now, his eyes are set on 2020 following his first title defense.

"In 2020, I want all the top guys," Haney said. "I want to unify (against) Lomachenko and I can get it done. I can see what Lomachenko does.

"I think that's a big fight (against Ryan Garcia). Boxing fans would love to see that fight. Hope we can make it happen in 2020 or 2021. I'm ready to make that sooner rather than later."