One winner, but no losers in Vasiliy Lomachenko-Richard Commey bout

Last weekend, at the famed Madison Square Garden in Manhattan New York, three-division world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko (16-2, 11 KO’s) scored a one-sided, UD 12 clinic over former world champion Richard Commey (30-4, 27 KO’s) in a lightweight bout before almost 9000 fans.

Boxing is a sport that (understandably) celebrates the egos and braggadocio of its top stars if they can back it up with concussive power and dominance over their opponent.

As they say, if you are gonna talk the talk, you’d better be able to walk the walk.

However, from the very get-go, weigh-in to first bell, in the recent ESPN lightweight matchup this past Saturday night, Vasyl Lomachenko and challenger Richard Commey acted like adults, and acted like professionals. They were going to make their statements in the ring and not in (the far too often) ridiculous taunts and threats that seem to dominate so many pre-fight events.

Make no mistake, there are many other very physical sports. But no other professional sport witnesses the immature nonsense you see before boxing matches that seems to be the norm these days. Look, I like a good pre-fight build up as much as the next guy. However, far too often, it’s just a lot of posturing and talking that seldom comes to fruition on fight night.

The classy conduct shown by both camps last weekend was a refreshing change.

Saturday night, after 12 grueling rounds, (featuring, arguably, one of the most talented boxers of his generation), Lomachenko and Commey were both rewarded. Lomachenko for his outstanding command of the ring on this night and Commey for the class, politeness, and sportsmanship he showed in defeat.

When the cards were read at the end of the bout there was no question who dominated. Lomachenko took the lead from the start to the point that the Ukraine star implored Commey’s corner to stop the bout on occasion in the 2nd half of the fight.

While Lomachenko should be applauded for another masterful performance, in career of masterful performances, a disappointed and emotional Commey addressed the media and fans in his post-fight interview.

“I fight for my country; I fight for my people. I let them down. But I believe I am going to come back stronger”, he said as the pro-Lomachenko MSG audience erupted in cheers of appreciation for the classy Ghana warrior. “He’s a great fighter, I did what I had to do. I’m proud of my people, I fight for them, I love them so much. I’m good, I’m not hurt, nothing happened to me, so glory be to God," he said.

The cheers rose louder and louder as Commey’s interview progressed as the fans showed their appreciation for a classy and dignified champion in defeat. Unlike many fighters today, Commey didn’t look to lay blame at anyone else’s feet. He simply accepted that the better man won on this night, thanked his supportive fans, and vowed to return a better fighter.

Make no mistake, Lomachenko first and foremost should be applauded for an outstanding win. But, Commey should be applauded for the heart and determination he showed in a fight nobody would have blamed him for steeping out of long before the final bell.

Both fighters won over a lot of fans Saturday night. Lomachenko for his outstanding performance in victory and Commey for his outstanding performance in defeat. It was just one of those nights that shone a nice light on the sport and both fighters left the ring with fans looking forward to seeing them again.

After the fight Commey tweeted out, “I just want to thank everyone for the incredible support over the last week. My congratulations to Vasiliy Lomachenko the better man won, and it was a pleasure to share the ring with you. God Bless you and your family.”

Commey promoter Lou Dibella was equally proud and reached out to everyone on Twitter saying, “There aren’t better people in boxing than Richard Commey. He’s a credit to Ghana and to our sport. A sportsman, a man of faith, and a champion for poor children. Richie embodies the heart, courage, and resolve he showed last night in defeat. I’m truly honored to work with him."

Richard Commey was all class in defeat and will be a proud and dignified champion again.

So, what is next?

For Lomachenko, the talk is a big bout for all the marbles with newly crowned Australian champion George Kambosos.

For Commey? After the fight he said, “The ambition stays the same, I want to be a two-time world champion."