Vasyl Lomachenko works out for the media, discusses future plans

Vasyl Lomachenko suffered a torn labrum in his last fight on May 12 against Jorge Linares, fighting for the WBA Lightweight World Title. Despite his shoulder dislocating and popping back into place during the second round, he knocked out Linares with a vicious left hook to the body in round 10.

Boxing sages and fans were aware of “Hi-Tech’s” talent and skill, but had no idea how much heart and determination he possesses. Not only did he continue fighting as if no injury occurred, he got off the canvas in the 6^th round and ended up scoring a knockdown of his own.

The pound-for-pound superstar is excited as can be to return to the ring on December 8 at the Madison Square Garden Theater in New York City, saying “I can’t wait.

After this fight, a lot of doors will open. Title unification fights are good for the sport of boxing.” Lomachenko was alluding to a potential mega fight against current IBF/WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia. Garcia hinted at a match-up against Errol Spence Jr., but at the moment that fight seems to be a pipe dream. He fights best at 135, and if Lomachenko beats Pedraza on December 8, an undisputed lightweight title fight could be on the horizon between Garcia and Lomachenko.

It is evident that Lomachenko wants the toughest challenges out there for him, given that he fought for a world title in only his 2^nd pro fight and has won world championships in three weight divisions in under 15 professional bouts.  

Speaking on future opponents, the Ukrainian star said, “I love challenges. That’s what motivates me. I want all the top fighters. I’m open to anyone.” Lomachenko plans on staying at 135 for the foreseeable future, and even suggested that he is undersized for a lightweight. He said that in his last fight against Linares, “I felt that he was bigger than me, and right now I [will] stay at 135 because I think 135 is not my weight category now, but after one or two years it will be my weight class.”

Also, with Lomachenko being knocked down in his first fight at the weight, there is no rush for a move to 140.

On whether there would be any interest in having him fight the winner of the World Boxing Super Series at 140, Hall-of-Fame Promoter Bob Arum stated, “That remains to be seen. One step at a time. First we got to see if we can try to unify the lightweight belts.”

Right now, it appears that the plan is for Lomachenko to stay at lightweight and unify all of the belts. A jump to 140 is premature, and he will most likely campaign at lightweight for many years to come.