Vasiliy Lomachenko not looking past dangerous Richard Commey

After losing to Teofimo Lopez last year, Vasiliy Lomachenko seemed to accept his loss, other than declaring he wanted to watch the fight again. Then, after saying they (the Lomachenko team) didn’t want to make excuses, word leaked out that Lomachenko fought with a bum shoulder—basically, let’s not make an excuse - and then MAKE an excuse.

A few weeks later, Lomachenko threw out the “b” word.

“It’s about being bribed,” said Lomachenko on his verified Instagram account. “There was nothing honest about the judging. I don’t know whose game it was. I do think it was someone’s game.”

Ripped for making an accusation based on opinion, Lomachenko backed away from the spotlight – eventually returning last June to fight Masayoshi Nakatani. Lomachenko showed all the moves that had made him a three-time world champion, stopping the gutsy Nakatani in round nine. He was sharp and nasty, ripping Nakatani with punches throughout the scheduled 12-rounder. After more battering in round nine, the referee called a halt to the fight seconds before the two-minute mark.

Vasyl Lomachenko was back. It’s funny to write that. He hadn’t gone anywhere. His loss to Lopez shocked most boxing fans, including Lomachenko. His return showed that even if he’s lost half a step, he’s still a helluva fighter.

Former IBF lightweight champion Richard Commey, who fights Lomachenko this Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York, has something in common with Lomachenko. Lopez knocked him out in less than two rounds in 2019. Commey took time off – returning to the ring last February against Jackson Martinez. Commey got rid of Martinez in six, setting up the fight with Lomachencko.

Commey, 34, is older than Lomachenko by a year, and slightly taller. His advantage is in reach, close to six inches. He can also punch, scoring 27 knockouts in his 30 wins. Lomachenko (15-2, 11 KOs) beats opponents with speed, angles, and technique. His footwork is the best in boxing. To beat Commey, he’ll have to avoid the big shot, decipher the distance, and counter effectively.

I think he will. He’s got too much game for Commey. He wins here by unanimous decision, though a late stoppage would not surprise.