At Big Fight Weekend, we are counting down to the undisputed lightweight fight between Devin Haney and Vasiliy Lomachenko on May 20. As we count down to this mouth-watering contest, we decided to look at where Loma ranks among current European boxers.
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Where Does Vasiliy Lomachenko Rank Among Current European Boxers?
Haney Vs Lomachenko will be a strategist’s dream! https://t.co/yBjHkELDz0 pic.twitter.com/15W9GDcOqy
— World Boxing Council (@WBCBoxing) May 17, 2023
Vasiliy Lomachenko Career Recapped
There are a plethora of talented boxers throughout the world and from various weight classes. Many of the toughest, most talented fighters are from European countries, and Lomachenko is a testament to that. He enjoyed a glittering amateur career, which saw him amass a record of 396-1. During the amateurs, he won the 2008 Beijing Olympics – outscoring the opposition 58-13 on his way to his first gold medal, where he defeated France’s Khedafi Djelkhir via first-round stoppage. During the amateurs he became one of the most decorated fighters of all time, winning a plethora of gold medals while dazzling audiences and opponents with his skillset and ring IQ.
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Loma’s glittering amateur career ensured his place in history as one of the greatest European fighters of today, even before turning professional. One of many highlights in the pro ranks was his brilliant win over Gary Russell Jr at the StubHub Center in Carson, California. Loma defeated the previously undefeated fighter and showcased a brilliant mix of body shots, movement and ring IQ, which helped him to defeat his experienced American opponent. Loma is an unbelievable technician who is brilliant at avoiding shots while showcasing his impressive hand speed and sensational accuracy when throwing punches. Despite being 35 years old, the Ukrainian superstar will aim to become the undisputed king on May 20.
More European Fighters
Boxing has been blessed throughout the years with many great European boxers. Artur Beterbiev is the current WBC, IBF, and WBO light-heavyweight champion. The heavy-handed Russian is a fearsome puncher and has won all 19 professional fights by knockout. His destruction of Joe Smith Jr proved what a devasting puncher he is. He switches effortlessly between the head and body and is adept at coaxing opponents out of their shells before throwing more bombs.
Also Read: Top Rank Wins Artur Beterbiev-Callum Smith Wbc Purse Bid
Dmitry Bivol is a wonderful fighter to watch. He manages the distance so well in fights. When he outpointed Canelo, he used his jab with brilliant efficiency, but when needed, he got in close and closed the distance between himself and his Mexican opponent. When you watch Bivol fight, you witness his exceptional ring IQ and noticeable power. He is also solid defensively, making him hard to hit. Whatever comes next for Bivol, it is clear he is one of the greatest boxers on the planet.
Also Read: WBA Orders Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois To Purse Bid
Oleksandr Usyk is a multiple world champion in two weight classes. He has conquered the cruiserweight division and has made his mark in the heavyweight division, inflicting back-to-back defeats on Anthony Joshua. His biggest strength is his ability to move around the ring and be incredibly difficult to hit. He is adept at using his right jab and following through with his left hand, which caused Joshua plenty of problems. The Ukrainian star is often criticised for his lack of power. However, his accuracy and shot selection ensure he is more than capable of knocking out opponents.
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There is no questioning the quality fighters that have entertained us over the years from European countries, such as Alexander Povetkin, Gennady Golovkin and Wladimir Klitschko. The current crop, such as Usyk and Bivol, are some of the best fighters of all time. Lomachenko will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the greatest fighters ever. His amateur record is second to none, and winning a world title in his third fight was a piece of boxing history. If Loma can become the undisputed lightweight champion on May 20, it will be difficult to deny him the top spot among current European boxers.
What’s interesting, is the rise of MMA and the crossover opportunities between that and boxing. The money coming in through UFC betting Canada and the United States, that there is speculation that the crossover will only continue. How that impacts boxing in Europe remains to be seen.