Vasyl Lomachenko vs. Jose Ramirez
Gabriel Rivas, Contributing Writer
Vasyl Lomachenko is a two-time gold medalist who is making his pro debut against Jose Ramirez. This will be a tough fight for Lomachenko against a professional who has 28 fights. As a fan of the sweet science, I believe that Lomachenko, because of his amateur experience, will be able to outbox Ramirez. Ramirez has lost to some less-than-reputable opponents, so it seems that Lomachenko will have a skill advantage. The only thing in question is whether or not he will transition well. Nevertheless, as many other gold medalists have demonstrated, a solid amateur background does wonders for a professional career. Lomachenko via boxing clinic.
Prediction: Lomanchenko
Rob Anthony, Contributing Writer
Lomachenko is a 25-year old former Olympian making his pro debut on the undercard. For a pro debut, to be facing a fighter with such experience and very few losses and to be going 10 rounds is very unusual. Bob Arum has very high confidence in Lomanchenko so I will take him over an experienced Jose Ramirez, who despite 20 plus fights hasn’t really faced any top notch competition. Lomanchenko has, going through two Olympic competitions.
Prediction: Lomanchenko
Lenin Acevedo, Photographer
I like Lomachenko. I’ve seen him fight in the World Series of Boxing. He’s a fine boxer who can stalk opponents with discipline. I do think he opens up a bit wide in the pocket, which could lead to Ramirez landing a big one. I think he’ll choose an Olympian style for his pro debut, but if he sees any signs of dominance in the ring he’ll definitely go for the big punch and get the knockout. I’m predicting a win for the Olympian by way of decision.
Prediction: Lomanchenko
Brendan Montenegro, Contributing Writer
This is a funny fight as Lomachenko is making his “Pro-Debut” against Ramirez who is 25-3, 15 KOs even though FightFax has Lomachenko listed as being 6-0 with all his fights being 5 rounders that he fought in World Series of Boxing. Lomachenko is widely considered as the greatest amateur boxer in the history of the sport, sporting a 396-1 record. With the WBO International Featherweight title on the line, I’m going with the new champ.
Prediction: Lomachenko
Juan Carlos Burgos, Contributing Writer
The highly anticipated pro debut of two time Russian gold medalist Vasyl Lomachenko is the second fight of the evening. Although there is some debate as to whether or not this indeed is Lomachenko’s pro debut, little doubt exists about his potential and what Top Rank thinks of him. If we are truly to believe this is his pro debut, when is that last time you saw a boxer facing such a seasoned opponent the first time in the ring as a professional? It’s true Ramirez’s resume does not read like a who’s who of contenders, but that fact remains he is a pro with over 25 bouts to his name and I’m sure he is hoping experience counts for something. Lomachenko has talent and that will ultimately prevail, pro debut or not.
Prediction: Lomachenko
Alex Burgos, Editor in Chief
Two time Olympic gold medalist, Vasyl Lomachenko is regarded as one of the best amateurs of all time. I would have a harder time giving Lomachenko an edge against a veteran like Ramirez if this truly was his pro debut. But, the fact is that the World Series of Boxing prepared Lomachenko for what he’ll see early on in his career. I like Lomachenko by convincing decision.
Prediction: Lomachenko
