Vasily Lomachenko (17-3, 11 KOs) lost to Devin Haney (30-0, 15 KOs) for the status of the undisputed lightweight champion, that is, the fight for all the authoritative belts of the category – WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF. Lost is debatable, most boxing fans, experts, promoters, managers and boxers agree that Haney should have either got a draw or lost. But it is difficult to go against the referee’s decision. Unless, if the appeal of Vasily’s team works, which absolutely no one believes in.
Considering how Lomachenko looked in the fight, we can also discuss who he can go up against in the next fight. However, before the meeting with Haney, there was no confidence in the readiness of the Ukrainian boxer.
On the one hand, he himself assured of a good training camp and an increase in his performance. On the other hand, what can you not say before such a responsible fight when you are already 35 years old and you have to put pressure on your opponent not only in the ring.
Despite cautious predictions on form, Lomachenko showed class. He was accurate, hit the opponent and came close to shocking the champion several times. Perhaps somewhere there was not enough activity in the attack, but age is such a thing that you can’t go against it. The main thing is that this was enough to win. Rather, it seemed to all of us that it was enough, but the judges didn’t.
Who can Vasily meet now?
Devin Haney (30-0, 15 KOs)
Revenge Possibility: 2 out of 5
Getty Images/Global Images Ukraine. Devin Haney
In an ideal world, a prospect and a champion who is not afraid of anyone and nothing should give revenge after such fights. When everyone is sure of your defeat, when everyone has found a better one than you, it’s time to prove that this is not so. Only not in years, when the opponent will finally become a pensioner, but immediately after a few months.
This is a normal practice for many champions who care about what will be said about them next. Everyone can step back. It is hardly possible to seriously say that Haney bought it directly or agreed with the judges. Therefore, it should be interesting for him to hold the second fight and close all questions.
But the chances are low, because the American team immediately said this. Devin’s father stated: “I don’t understand where this fight was so close to a rematch. He wasn’t close.”
Considering how much Bill decides in Devin’s team, one should only count on a miracle here.
Shakur Stevenson (20-0, 10 KOs)
Fighting Opportunity: 3 out of 5
Getty Images/Global Images Ukraine. Shakur Stevenson
Shakur was initially considered the main candidate for the winner of this pair. He’s a WBO contender, he’s a Bob Arum client, and that’s just interesting for the fans. It is trivially easier to negotiate with him, because the same Gervonta Davis will begin to compile entire lists of requirements, because he sells his evenings more expensive than Stevenson.
Shakur is now up for a fight against Devin Haney and wants to fight for all the belts at once. After the American’s victory, Stevenson climbed into the ring and responded to a possible opponent to the statement that he was number one: “It’s bye, man, bye!”
But Haney could move away from lightweight. Therefore, you should not count on the exact organization of the fight. And Shakur is proactive and already says that if Haney refuses to fight, he would very much like to box against Lomachenko.
It is unlikely that Vasily will be against it, given that the championship belt will definitely be at stake. One WBO or all in lightweight is not yet clear.
Gervonta Davis (29-0, 27 KOs)
Fighting Opportunity: 2.5 out of 5
Getty Images/Global Images Ukraine. Gervonta Davis
The American, with whom the Ukrainian athlete will not meet in any way, is not even four, which Haney complained about, but about six years. Gervonta is now the “regular” or “regular” WBA lightweight champion of the world. There is also a “super champion” Devin Haney. In theory, Davis can claim a fight for the absolute championship, and he even spoke about his interest in this.
In practice, it is still unclear what company Haney will be in, because the contract with Top Rank has ended, and a lot in the negotiations of the fighters will depend on this. No less than the decision to stay or move into another category from Devin.
The Lomachenko vs. Gervonta fight is a huge event, but will it bring in a lot? Less sales guaranteed than against Ryan Garcia. Fewer people will definitely buy a paid broadcast, and a smaller arena will also need to be ordered. Simply because Garcia is more famous outside of boxing than Lomachenko.
And hence the question, will Davis be willing to take risks with such data and Lomachenko’s lack of status? For Gervonta, such a victory would not interfere with the record, but he clearly understands the risks even against the current Loma.
George Kambosos (20-2, 10 KOs)
Fighting Opportunity: 3.5 out of 5
Getty Images/Global Images Ukraine. George Kambosos
The Australian is ready to fight anywhere and with anyone. He was ready to fight Lomachenko even before Ukraine was fully attacked by the Russian Federation. He met with Haney simply to close the issue with the right or wrong absolute championship.
And now he is ready to meet with Vasily. Immediately after Lomachenko lost, George remembered that the Ukrainian boxer always has another big fight at the stadium in Australia against Kambosos.
This guy won’t jump out of the fight and they’re going to build a big arena. And it will not be boring, because George always gives a fight to everyone. The only thing is, does Lomachenko need it and does he want to stay at lightweight?
Emanuel Navarrete (37-1, 31 KOs)
Fighting Opportunity: 2.5 out of 5
Getty Images/Global Images Ukraine. Emanuel Navarrete
Lomachenko’s return to super featherweight has been discussed for a long time. Every time he feels different in the ring than when he boxed in the second featherweight, there are fans who are sure that you need to go back. Because there Vasily looked great, and in lightweight you have to squeeze even more out of yourself than the maximum, given the dimensions of your opponents.
The transition to a lighter category is being discussed now. In the context of the fact that it will be a fairly large event, and the opponents there are simpler. Is it easier – not a fact, but the names are smaller and some champions are really passable. However, if you move on, then you should fight with the best.
So far, the unambiguous first number of the second featherweight is the Mexican Emanuel Navarrete. Even with Oscar Valdez in the division. Navarrete has not lost since 2018, has knocked out a lot of people and is a very bright boxer. Styles make fights and these styles (Emanuel and Vasily) will definitely create a top matchup.
It’s not certain that Lomachenko will want to lose weight again, but if he does, it will be interesting to watch.
#options #Lomachenko
2023-05-23 14:37:00