This Saturday night at the Thomas and Mack Center, on the undercard of the Timothy Bradley vs Juan Manuel Marquez bout, we will see two time Olympic gold medalist Vasyl Lomachenko make his pro debut. This is no ordinary debut as the highly skilled amateur will be taking on WBO International featherweight Jose Ramirez 25-3 (15) in his first fight.
Lomachenko has to be regarded as one of, if not the best amateur of all time. He is a two time Olympic Gold medalist, two weight amateur world champion and has won everything the amateur game has to offer, amassing an amazing amateur record consisting of around 396-1.
Though Lomachenko has gained some professional experience through fighting in the World Series of boxing, an amateur event following very much professional rules, five rounds, no head guards and a professional round based scoring system, taking this fight so early is a huge credit to his confidence and self belief. What is even more amazing is that rather than accepting a six figure signing on fee with top rank Lomachenko insisted upon a world title shot in his first fight, this did not come to be, but he is in a contractual agreement with Top Rank for a 126lb title shot in his second fight, so long as he wins this Saturday.
Lomachenko has stated he wants to be the greatest boxer the sport has ever seen. Anybody who has watched him in the amateurs will know he has a very attractive professional style and possesses a lot of skill, but is this too quick a step up for even a highly skilled amateur like himself? Personally I don’t think so, but I guess we will find out this Saturday night.
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