By: Hans Themistode
Vasiliy Lomachenko is still agonized by how close he is to achieving his ultimate goal. Almost a year ago, the Ukrainian-born player owned three of the four lightweight titles with the chance to add the final piece of the undisputed puzzle to his resume. Still, despite being heavily favored against former IBF 135-pound champion Teofimo Lopez, Lomachenko still sees his much younger opponent as an incredible opponent.
Throughout the first six rounds of their competition, Lomachenko appeared both apathetic and unwilling to let go. However, in the second half of their match, Lomachenko regained his rhythm and started to get on track. However, despite rallying back, Lomachenko will fall short, losing a near-unanimous but clear decision.
Since then, the pound star has returned to the winning track, stopping Masayoshi Nakatani earlier this year in the ninth round. For his next move, the now 33-year-old will take on former player Richard Commey. The two will officially wrap up this Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Although Lomachenko is focused on reclaiming his championship spot and putting Lopez behind him, if the opportunity presents itself, he is keen to get things running again.
“I continue my career with four belts,” Lomachenko said in an interview with BoxingInsider.com. “But if we have a chance to hold this fight again, I would be very happy.”
In the match that came as a complete shock to Lomachenko, Lopez had to receive the first defeat of his career. Indigenous Australian George Kambosos Jr. dealt with Lopez’s usual concussion powers, while also causing one of the inevitable upheavals of the year. Despite Lopez’s recent shortcomings, Lomachenko is ready to face him in the ring once again.
But while the Ukrainian star wants a chance at redemption, Lopez could be aiming for a different weight class. After a devastating defeat to Kambosos Jr., both Lopez and father/coach Teofimo Lopez Sr. All expressed the need to move up to ultralight. If Lopez has indeed fought in his final competition at the age of 135, then Lomachenko has confidence that he will never face his longtime opponent again.
“Only 135 pounds, I can’t go 140 for this bout with Lopez. I can not. It’s not fair. I am a boxer of a smaller size. I can’t get to 140 because he can’t get to 135″.
