Vasiliy Lomachenko was one of the most decorated amateurs with an astounding record of 396 wins and only 1 loss, which he avenged twice.
After winning his second Olympic gold medal, the Ukrainian technician with the mesmerising footwork, angles and hand speed turned pro and fought for a world title in his second fight though came up short against Orlando Salido, who failed to make weight.
Because of that, the belt remained vacant and Lomachenko won it in his next fight by defeating Gary Russell Jr. and then went on a streak that saw him become a unified champion by beating the likes of Roman Martinez, Nicholas Walters, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Jorge Linares, and Luke Campbell before close losses to Teofimo Lopez and, after a few more wins, Devin Haney.
He regained the IBF title with his last victory in May against George Kambosos Jr but, speaking to Sean Zittel, former champion turned pundit Timothy Bradley believes that could have been his last contest.
The Hall of Famer points to the swerving of young champions in Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson as a sign Lomachenko knows he is at the end of his career.
“I think it’s something deeper man and I keep saying that. Loma’s the type of guy who doesn’t duck any smoke however when I look at him and how he’s been behaving of late I think about the fact that this isn’t only one time, this is twice now.
Shakur Stevenson who is a part of Top Rank with Loma, Shakur wanted that fight, Loma said he didn’t want the fight. So not only did he duck Shakur, he also ducked Tank.
Fighters, we know what we can do and what we can’t do. Loma and his team I’m sure don’t want him to go out on his shield, get knocked out, get embarrassed. He fought [George] Kambosos Jr cause he knew that was a fight he could win and he could win a belt and go out on a high note. I think this is it for Loma, I don’t think Loma returns.”
Lomachenko’s team recently pulled out of early talks for a fight with ‘Tank’ Davis due to the fighter ‘not being motivated’ to compete again this year. That follows him turning down a fight with Stevenson last year.
Promoter Bob Arum is adamant he will return, however, if this is the end for Lomachenko, it will bring down the curtain on an incredible stint in the sport.
