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In the time interval between former triple champion Vasily Lomachenko’s last game in June and his return in New York on Saturday, the lightweight status changed dramatically.
Teofimo Lopez Jr.’s decision in 2020 shocked Lomachenko, who faced a major defeat in November by the mandatory challenger and the new unified king George Kambosos Jr.. A week later, pay-per-view star Gervonta Davis was forced to overcome injuries and a definite late replacement for Isaac Cruz to get close to the decision, and WBC champion Devin Hani achieved the biggest victory to date against Joseph Diaz Jr. .
Online free agents Kambosos and Haney are now negotiating an undisputed championship battle in Australia. The undefeated Ryan Garcia (Ryan Garcia) also used the new development to summon many big boxers including Davis on social media.
For a time, the star-studded lightweight division looked like an open market, with big names showing great interest, regardless of promotion. This makes the 33-year-old Lomachenko a very interesting dance partner, as a former pound-to-pound champion.
Can’t get enough boxing and mixed martial arts? Get the latest news from the world of fighting sports from two of the best people in the industry. Subscribe to Morning Kombat with Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell For the best analysis and in-depth news, including the following early preview of Lomachenko’s vs. Comey on Saturday night.
Lomachenko (15-2, 11 KOs) first needed to pass a very dangerous test this weekend when he faced former IBF champion Richard Comey (30-3, 27 KOs) at Madison Square Garden, Ghana At the last press conference of the locals on Thursday, he did not flinch.
“My whole country is behind me, and all the kids who want to get to my place have gone home. I’m here; I know it’s not an easy fight, but here I am,” Comey said. “I’m here. I’m here with all my heart, my God and my team, I’m here. I’m here to perform a great show.”
Lomachenko described MSG, aptly nicknamed “the most famous arena in the world”, as a “special place” in his short but extraordinary career. The first two Olympic gold medalists from Ukraine have competed in this sacred venue four times, including him against Roman Martinez, Guillermo Rigondo, and Jorge Linares. And some of the most important victories for Jose Pedraza.
“It’s my pleasure [to fight] At the boxing mecca,” Lomachenko said. “I respect it, I can’t wait for Saturday night.
The arena is also where Comé’s career was the biggest loss in 2019, when he was eliminated by upstart Lopez in the second round. The 34-year-old stopped Jackson Marines in February and hopes to continue to grow in Lopez’s defeat.
“I think losing in a boxing match is part of boxing,” Comey said. “No matter how much you lose, everything is to come back. No matter what happens in the Teofimo battle, this is the truth. I treat him as a man. I was very strong when I came back, which is why Lockheed Martin chose me. , Is also my reason “I’m sitting here. ”
Although Lomachenko is the big gambler, he still looks forward to an uphill battle.
“Richard is a tough opponent. I think we will provide fans with a very interesting fight,” Lomachenko said. “He has a lot of power and influence. He has experience and a big heart.
“I’m very excited because this is the next step in my boxing career. It will be fun for the fans.”
Battle card, odds
- Vasiliy Lomachenko -800 vs. Richard Commey +550, lightweight
- Xander Zayas -4000 vs. Alessio Mastronunzio +1100, junior middleweight
- Nico Ali Walsh -1500 vs. Reyes Sanchez +800, middleweight
View information
- date: December 11 | Place: Madison Square Garden-New York
- Starting time: 9 p.m. EDT
- How to watch: ESPN | Stream: Fubo TV (Free trial)
prophecy
Although Comey is aggressive and dangerous, his straightforward style is still very suitable for the magic and footwork that Lomachenko relies on. One day, Lomachenko’s iconic speed and reaction time will slow down, but we don’t seem to be there yet.
Yes, Lomacheko started too late in the loss to Lopez, but he performed well in the second half and looked a lot like the same elite talent when he stopped Masashi Nakatani in June. It is expected that Lomachenko will take advantage of Comey’s aggressiveness to separate him after he has weathered the early storms cautiously.
Pick: Lomachenko passes UD12
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