Vasiliy Lomachenko Career Highlights

The lightweight division is undoubtedly one of the most stacked in boxing. Fans of the sport recently saw two of the division’s biggest stars go up against each other as Gervonta Davis defeated Ryan Garcia with a crippling body shot to win the biggest fight of the year. Attention at Big Fight Weekend has now turned to May 20 as Devin Haney prepares to go up against Ukrainian superstar Vasiliy Lomachenko.

The Best Highlights of Vasiliy Lomachenko’s Career

Devin Haney on Vasyl Lomachenko 👀

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Decorated Amateur Career

Lomachenko enjoyed one of the most decorated amateur careers in the history of boxing. He won gold at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. He destroyed his five opponents en route to glory – with astonishing ease, outscoring the opposition 58-13 on his way to his first gold medal at senior level, where he defeated France’s Khedafi Djelkhir via first-round stoppage. Loma didn’t stop there in 2008, as he went on to win gold at the European Championships in Liverpool.

Also Read: 5 Underrated Lightweights to Watch Out for in 2023

“The Matrix” was fast becoming one of the most decorated amateurs of all time as he went on to win back-to-back world championship golds in 2009 and then in 2011 as a lightweight. He further cemented his name in the history of amateur boxing and the Olympics by winning his second consecutive gold medal in London. Lomachenko finished his amateur career with an sensational record, winning 396 times and only losing once to Albert Selimov at the 2007 world championships, which he later avenged twice.

Lomachenko’s win over Gary Russell Jr

Following a controversial split decision loss to Orlando Salido for the WBO International featherweight title in only his 2nd professional contest – Loma didn’t shy away. In only his third professional contest he went up against Gary Russell Jr at the StubHub Center in Carson, California. Russell Jr was 24-0 going into the fight. The Matrix was at his imperious best, winning the fight by a 12-round majority decision with two judges scoring it 116–112 and Judge Lisa Giampa controversially scoring it 114-114.

Also Read: Lomachenko Comes on Late for Decision of Ortiz

In only his third professional fight, Loma was sensational, with a sumptuous mix of body punches, lateral movement, and ring IQ, which was a pleasure to witness. Russell was a worthy adversary and threw a high volume of punches. His work carried more spite than his American counterpart, and his defence proved difficult to penetrate, with Russell finding it difficult to land anything of substance to trouble the Ukrainian.

Defeating Jorge Linares

Due to difficulties making unification fights at featherweight, Lomachenko moved up to invade the lightweight division and immediately went into the ring to face Jorge Linares, who had won his last 13 contests. The fight took place on May 12, 2018, at Madison Square Garden, where it was a night to remember. The Matrix became the fastest man to claim three world championships in different weight classes as he defeated WBA lightweight champion Jorge Linares with a devastating body shot, which dropped him in the 10th round. Despite the champion rising to his feet, he was unable to continue, giving Loma the most impressive win of his professional career thus far.

Also Read: Devin Haney Hosts A Media Workout Ahead of Vasiliy Lomachenko Fight

Linares had dropped the Ukrainian superstar in round six with a heavy straight right hand. The Venezuelan fighter was well in the fight due to the sixth-round knockdown and impressed with his work rate and shot selection. The Ukrainian’s ability to overcome the knockdown was the most impressive aspect of the fight. He showed he can bite down on his gumshield and go to war when needed. Loma’s ability to slip punches and counterpunch with spite undoubtedly helped him defeat Linares.