There was a time when any conversation about who was pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world, Vasily Lomachenko’s name, was part of the discussion.
Lomachenko captivated the boxing world with his unique blend of power and superior footwork, a style that was as mesmerizing as it was effective.
At the highest point of his career, Lomachenko was a belt collector. With all the belts in his possession except one, Lomachenko went on a quest to collect that belt like Thanos collecting the stones.
Teofimo Lopez stood in Lomachenko’s way of greatness, and that night, Lopez was up to the challenge.
Unbeknownst to those involved, Lomachenko’s star dimmed at an unexpected rate.
Yes, boxing has more stars than it’s giving credit for, but in its glory days, a great boxer could lose a fight and not drop out of the conversation like Lomachenko did.
After the Lopez loss, Lomachenko’s next three fights were against opponents that were a good match for him.
Masayoshi Nakatini is an exciting fighter who wouldn’t know how to defend himself if his life depended on it. The fight was a perfect “rebound” fight. Lomachenko would take Nakatini out in nine rounds.
The following two opponents, Richard Commey and Jamaine Ortiz went down by unanimous decision.
That put Lomachenko in a position to grab the spotlight again when he entered the ring with Devin Haney.
Unfortunately, that night, Lomachenko wasn’t given the benefit of the doubt. In a close fight that could’ve gone either way, Lomachenko suffered his second loss in five fights.
Almost a year after the Haney fight, Lomachenko returns to the ring.
Not in Las Vegas. Not in New York.
On Saturday night, Lomachenko will fight George Kambosos Jr. for the vacant IBF lightweight title in Perth, Australia.
“I am excited for the opportunity to fight once again for a world title. George Kambosos Jr. is a good fighter, and I know I must prepare well to earn the victory,” Lomachenko said. “Fighting in Australia will be a new experience, and I am looking forward to giving the people of Perth a great fight.”
Lomachenko will have a chance to get his star shining again. With a win over Kambosos Jr., he will have the IBF belt. The WBO belt is also vacant. Lomanchenko could go after that one next or try and make a deal to fight either Shakur Stevenson (WBC champion) or Gevonta Davis (WBA champion).
Having a chance to face either Stevenson or Davis is the type of fight that will get Lomachenko back into critical conversations and major pay days.
But first things first, Lomachenko needs to take care of Kambosos Jr.
“This is going to be a memorable fight. For him, it’s a war. For me, it’s a competition,” said Lomachenko. “I have a goal. I need this title. My motivation is this title and to be world champion again.”
Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank
