Lomachenko Is The Matrix

On today in 1988 in southwestern Ukraine a future champion was born, a real latter-day nice, and that’s all of the excuse we have to re-feature our tackle considered one of “Hello-Tech’s” most spectacular performances, together with Lee Wylie’s wonderful video on Lomachenko’s ring brilliance, “The Tips.” Joyful Birthday needs from everybody at The Combat Metropolis to the one-and-only Vasyl Lomachenko. Test it out: 

The MGM Nationwide Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland performed host to arguably essentially the most proficient fighter within the recreation Saturday evening in Vasyl Lomachenko, who, decked out in inexperienced and black in tribute to his latest moniker, “The Matrix,” nicely and really lived as much as the lofty expectations that many have positioned upon him. Certainly, he placed on a show that might have been deemed science fiction, such was the marvel of it.

In opposition to a troublesome Jason Sosa, Lomachenko was nothing in need of dazzling. The best way during which he seamlessly switched between offensive brilliance and defensive prowess was a sight to behold. A lot of that brilliance got here from his masterful footwork; superlatives don’t absolutely encapsulate the virtuosity of his actions. Lomachenko reads his opponents very like Neo reads ‘the matrix’ and it’s virtually unfair.

Sosa proved a recreation opponent and he did his greatest to take the battle to Lomachenko, but it surely was clear he was no match for the Ukrainian. It was a shutout proper from the opening bell. Most of Sosa’s punches appeared to search out nothing however air and in return he was peppered with blows from all angles.

It took 9 one-sided rounds for Sosa’s nook to cease the battle, though one can’t assist however really feel that had Lomachenko not been having a lot enjoyable, he might have ended it sooner. Very similar to a cat toying with a mouse, Lomachenko performed together with his outmatched opponent. He taunted Sosa as he effortlessly slipped his punches, at one level mimicking a matador taunting a dashing bull together with his cape; he even imitated the clearly outgunned Sosa a number of instances, the higher to exhibit his complete superiority. It’s clear that Lomachenko the showman is now a key a part of his persona.

In the long run, “Hello-Tech” landed 275 punches in comparison with a paltry 68 from Sosa. The battle was a mismatch but it surely’s clearly turning into a frightening job to search out worthy opposition for the previous novice star. When one appears to be like at not simply his domination of Sosa, but in addition his one-sided wins over Nicholas Walters and Roman Martinez, one can not assist however conclude that nothing in need of the perfect opposition accessible may even dream about giving the Ukrainian virtuoso a aggressive battle, not to mention defeating him. In keeping with the person himself, unification is now high of the checklist, however failing that, a leap in weight is the following step.

“I’m going to name Bob (Arum) and inform him I solely need to battle champions,” stated Lomachenko after the bout. “I’m going to ask if we will get any of the 130-pound champions. In the event that they refuse to battle, I’m gonna transfer as much as 135. I’d wish to battle Flanagan in England. [Mikey] Garcia could be nice. I’d wish to make that battle quickly.”

Garcia and Flanagan are each mouth-watering matchups however plainly Lomachenko additionally has different massive names on his radar. There’s additionally the one man to have defeated him within the skilled ranks, Orlando Salido, and one other pound-for-pound claimant in Terence Crawford.

“The primary time we fought, it was like a third-grader preventing a Twelfth-grader,” stated Lomachenko of “Siri.” “I’ve now graduated and I need to invite Salido to my college. And I’m working my means towards Terence Crawford. I do know that’s an enormous battle, and I do know folks need to see it.”

However no matter matches occur within the coming months, Lomachenko has already confirmed himself probably the most gifted fighters to grace the boxing panorama in a few years. He’s a novel and astonishing expertise, the type that we see just a few instances in every era. His talent set is unmatched in right this moment’s battle recreation, and the one draw back is that with out massive identify opponents to battle, it’s attainable his distinctive skills might go undiscovered by mainstream sports activities followers. And that might be an actual disgrace.         — Daniel Attias