Photo by Chris Farina/Top Rank
After Saturday night’s strong win over former undefeated prospect Gary Russell Jr., Vasyl Lomachenko now aims to take the boxing world by storm after getting his hands on the sought-after WBO featherweight crown.
Talk has already begun on whom the talented Ukrainian will face next, with a showdown between another amateur great, Guillermo Rigondeaux having the boxing faithful salivating at the prospect.
The super bantamweight supremo has been top of the division since he toppled pound-for-pound star Nonito Donaire back in April 2012.
As a former two-time Olympic champion at bantamweight, Rigondeaux has found the transition between amateur and pro relatively easy, as he has out classed his past thirteen opponents en route to becoming the WBA and WBO super bantamweight champion, as well as the Ring Magazine Champion.
However, not everyone is a fan of Rigondeaux’s minimal-risk boxing style, which has resulted in the Cuban sensation being ostracized by television networks, promoters and some parts of the media.
The untouchable 33 year old is now left with very few options on whom to face next, but a unification showdown with Lomachenko would definitely reignite the taste buds of the boxing world.
When Lomachenko climbed through the ropes in Carson, California this past Saturday, the pressure on the young Ukrainian’s shoulders was immense.
Coming off his first career loss against the rugged Orlando Salido in only his second professional bout, there is no denying that Lomachenko was being examined under the media microscope.
Nevertheless, with redemption the only thing on Lomachenko’s mind, the former amateur starlet lit up the StubHub Center with his skill and brute strength, leaving the fast handed Gary Russell Jr. bemused and unable to derail the determined Lomachenko.
The future now seems bright for the former two-time Olympic champion, who has now matched Saensak Muangsurin’s record of becoming a world champion in only three bouts.
Therefore, with the boxing world at his feet, future foes will be of the highest caliber and Rigondeaux definitely fits that bill.
Although Rigondeaux seems to be sitting comfortable at the 122 pounds, many believe a catch weight bout could materialize somewhere between 122 and 126 pounds that would entice both parties to engage, due to the pairs illustrious amateur career and eagerness to prove themselves.
Whatever the demands, an opportunity to witness two of the greatest amateur boxers ever to put on headgear, in a matchup that would be irresistible to both men and for fans, could be very much on the horizon.
However, it may be more hope than expectation.
