Vasiliy Lomachenko is considered one of the best boxers in the world but he has lost his last two world title fights, decisions against Teofimo Lopez in 2020 and Devin Haney last May.
The Ukrainian star gets another opportunity to get it right this coming May 12. And most observers – including the oddsmakers – believe this is his best chance to have another major belt wrapped around his waist.
Lomachenko (17-3, 11 KOs) is scheduled to face former champ George Kambosos Jr. (21-2, 10 KOs) for one of the 135-pound titles Haney vacated (the IBF version) on that date in Perth, Australia, Kambosos’ home country.
Kambosos made a splash when he upset Lopez to become undisputed champion but that was followed by two one-sided decision losses to Haney in 2022 and a controversial majority decision nod over Maxi Hughes last July.
Lomachenko is about a 5½-1 favorite to beat Kambosos.
“I’m very happy to come back,” Lomachenko said during a virtual news conference Tuesday evening. “I’m very happy to be fighting there. This is the right fight because it’s a chance to be a world champion again.”
Lomachenko’s title-fight losses were bitter disappointments for him.
He lost his undisputed championship and position atop some pound-for-pound lists when he was upset by Lopez, who had to survive a fierce rally from Lomachenko to have his hand raised.
Lomachenko, who fought with an injured shoulder, insisted he did enough to win the fight but he was in the minority.
He then won three fights, over Masayoshi Nakatani, Richard Commey and Jamaine Ortiz, to earn a shot at Haney. Lomachenko gave a strong performance but he came up short again.
He did make a statement, however: He clearly remains a formidable technician, one who appears to be a threat to anyone even though he will turn 36 next month.
Kambosos understands the challenge he faces.
“I never step away from a challenge,” he said. “I always want to fight the best. And Vasiliy Lomachenko is a guy we have looked at for a very long time. This guy is a legend. The respect we have for him is huge.
“So to have this [fight] official now is extraordinary. I’m very motivated for this fight. I’m very excited, and I can’t wait.”
Of course, he has reason to be excited. As he put it, “This fight rejuvenates my career. This gives me my redemption.”
However, Lomachenko is the main focus on this show, the once-great fighter – possibly still great fighter – poised to claim the title “world champion” for a fourth time.
