Relive Vasiliy Lomachenko’s Dominance Against Gamalier Rodriguez

On May 2, 2015, Vasiliy Lomachenko defended his WBO featherweight title against Gamalier Rodriguez. The fight took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada. Big Fight Weekend are taking back to Fight Night in 2015 to relive a dominant performance by “The Matrix.”

Vasiliy Lomachenko Puts in Dominant Display

Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. Gamalier Rodriguez Recap

The highly decorated amateur Lomachenko had converted his astounding performances to the professional ranks, defeating Gary Russell Jr. to win the WBO featherweight strap. A successful defence against Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo saw him face Rodriguez and produce another dominant performance as he controlled the distance and tempo of the early rounds with his effective jab. During round four, the Ukrainian star began to sit down on his shots and hurt his Puerto Rican opponent.

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The accurate body shots from Loma put Rodriguez down in round seven, and it was a clear sign the Ukrainian was in cruise control as he selected his punches and used his excellent lateral movement to pick the Puerto Rican off at will and make him miss continuously.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist landed a beautiful right cross, which knocked his opponent down in round 9, who couldn’t beat the count, which ensured Loma successfully defended his WBO strap with a typical dominant showing.

Career Highlights and Style

Loma has been an exceptional boxer, and it remains to be seen what he has left when he takes on George Kambosos Jr. on May 11 – but the Ukrainian has undoubtedly been one of the most technically brilliant boxers to grace a ring. His reflexes and coordination have seen him effortlessly slip punches from opponents throughout his career. 

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He is brilliant at using his impressive hand speed and lateral movement to create unique angles to attack, defeating the then-unbeaten Guillermo Rigondeaux, Luke Campbell and Richard Commey.