Lomachenko dominates Rigondeaux, wins by stoppage
By John J. Raspanti
On paper two-time Olympic gold medalists and world champions Vasyl Lomachenko and Guillermo Rigondeaux were supposed to be near equals.
In the ring Saturday night, it was another story as Lomachenko showed superior quickness, angles, and talent in vanquishing his supposed rival in round six at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Rigondeaux said after the fight that he’d hurt his hand in round two. It appeared that his pride was hurt more than his hand. Being dominated in the ring was something that Rigondeaux had never experienced.
He has now.
The only close round was the opening stanza. After that Lomachenko (10-1, 8 KOs) was a step ahead of the aging Rigondeaux-who lost a fight for the first time since 2003.
Lomachenko picked up the pressure in round two, using a consistent jab and accurate power punches to keep Rigondeaux off balance. Rigondeaux tried to go the body, but Lomachenko’s “now you see me now you don’t” footwork was already frustrating him. Lomachenko went back to work in round three, tattooing Rigondeaux with a double hook, and seconds later, a trifecta of uppercuts.
Rigondeaux opened round four by swinging for the fences. Lomachenko ducked the blow and swatted Rigondeaux with a sharp left hand. All Rigondeaux could do was hold, and when he punched, miss.
The punishment continued into round six, leading to Rigondeaux to having a point taken away for excessive holding. As the bell rang ending the stanza, Lomachenko strutted back to his corner fully in control. A few seconds later, Rigondeaux would decide that he was done fighting.
After learning that Rigondeaux was the fourth fighter to retire on his stool against him, the Ukrainian fighter nicknamed "Hi-Tech," said maybe he would change his name to No Mas-chenko.
“He’s a tough fighter, a king in boxing, but a king in his weight class," said Lomachenko of Rigondeaux, who reigns as a 122-pounder. "It’s not a big win for me because of that."
“He’s a very technical, quick and explosive,” admitted Rigondeaux who said before the match that he would defeat Lomachenko easily.”
It wasn’t even close.
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