VASILIY LOMACHENKO has the stage to put on another boxing masterclass this weekend – but many are predicting a tough night at the office.
The Ukrainian boxer – ranked as one of the best pound-for-pound in the world, fights unbeaten Teofimo Lopez at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Nevada.
If Lomachenko wins, he will add Lopez’s IBF belt to his WBO, WBA and WBC ‘franchise’ belts to become undisputed champ.
But Lopez will surely not go down without a fight, and is determined to shock the world.
And he is the one going into the fight without a loss on his record.
Lomachenko won a world title in just his third pro fight when he secured a majority decision against Gary Russell Jr.
But the fight before that he was on the wrong end of a split decision against Orlando Salido.
But since that defeat, the 32-year-old has looked untouchable, showing footwork and body movements not seen in the sport before.
Last time out he defeated a brave but ultimately outclassed Luke Campbell to retain his titles.
Lopez, nine years younger than Lomachenko, has looked similarly destructive in the squared circle.
The Brooklyn brawler has 12 KO’s from his 15 bouts, the last coming against Richard Commey in December that saw him pick up the IBF title.
Many believe his right hand counter can find the gaps in Lomachenko’s defence – let’s not forget Loma was put on the seat of his pants by Jorge Linares in 2018 before claiming a late stoppage win.
