|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
"Artist" Lomachenko back in the boxing ring November 7  By John J. Raspanti, DogHouse Boxing (Nov 5, 2015)Tweet Follow @DoghouseBoxing |
||||||||||
Anybody who witnessed his amateur prowess wasn’t surprised. He compiled a mind-boggling record of 396-1—a defeat he later avenged. He also picked up two Olympic gold medals. Photo by © Chris Farina, Top Rank. Lomachenko is a whirling dervish in the ring. His hand and foot speed can be overwhelming to most of his opponents. When he fought then-undefeated Gary Russell Jr. last year, many figured the native Ukrainian wouldn’t be able to handle the super-quick Russell. The fight was hard-fought and tactical. Lomachenko dipped into his bag of tricks and began pounding Russell’s body. The strategy was sound. Russell slowed down. Lomachenko outworked Russell in the last few rounds to win the bout. The victory earned him the WBO featherweight title. Lomachenko and his team said after his victory that they wanted fights with champions Guillermo Rigodeaux and Nicholas Walters. Both super bouts never happened. Lomachenko shrugged and moved on. This Saturday night at the Thomas @ Mack Center in Las Vegas, NV, Lomachenko (4-1, 2 KOS) will face Mexican contender Romulo Koasicha (25-4, 15 KOs) on the undercard of the Timothy Bradly vs. Brandon Rios main event. The little known Koasicha has won his last four fights in a row against inferior opposition. Koasicha was schooled by IBF featherweight champion Lee Selby 18 months ago. Lomachenko dispatched game Gamalier Rodriguez last May. He should have little trouble with the tough, but limited, Koasicha. For all his success in the ring, Lomachenko, 27, is already talking about his legacy. “I want to bring something new to boxing,” said Lomachenko during a media workout Monday in Oxnard, CA. “I want to be known to fans and appreciated as a ‘boxer-painter’ in regards to speed, footwork, punching power — an art form inside the ring.” Lomachenko is a student of "The Sweet Science.” “I have looked at videos of many great champions like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson, and Joe Frazier, who each had special qualities,” Lomachenko said. “I never say one particular fighter is the best ever because each has a special unique style of fighting. Every fight has challenges. Lomachenko would love a rematch with Orlando Salido—who handed him his only loss. “Getting Salido back into the ring would be something I would like to see.” said Lomachenko. He’ll likely get his wish. - TO WRITE FOR DOGHOUSE BOXING: E-mail John now at: marlow_58@hotmail.com John J. Raspanti responds to all his emails. Please send all questions and comments to John at: marlow_58@hotmail.com - For video content, plus today's newspaper headlines and original content, visit our Front Page now. -To have your say on this article and mix it up with other Boxing Fans, visit The Dog Pound now. |
