THE RESULT: Vasiliy Lomachenko wins the vacant IBF Lightweight title at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia stopping George Kambosos Jr at 2.49 in round 11. His first win inside the distance since a ninth-round TKO win over Masayoshi Nakatani three years ago.
KEY MOMENTS: There was a menace to Lomachenko at times against Kambosos. The Ukrainian needed to prove a point, and the body shots that put the Aussie down in the penultimate round and ended the fight, served as a warning to his rivals.
RECORDS: Lomachenko moves to 18-3 (12 KOs), while Kambosos Jr now sits at 21-3 (10 KOs).
TALKING POINT: One year after the loss to Devin Haney, many wondered if the manner of the defeat combined with the time away would have taken something from Lomachenko. The 36-year-old answered everyone emphatically but only against a higher level of competition will we know what exactly he has left.
QUOTABLE: “Today I am again world champion and this world title is for my father… I want to say a big thank you and appreciate to him. He built me, he trained me… this is for my father,” Lomachenko said.
Kambosos stated that he follows in the footsteps of legendary fighters like Arturo Gatti and Mickey Ward, who never backed down from challenging opponents. Recognizing Lomachenko’s exceptional skills, Kambosos believes he is deserving of the belt.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? At the latter stage of his career, motivation will be key for Lomachenko. Shakur Stevenson, Gervonta Davis and the winner of next week’s bout between Emanuel Navarrete and Denys Berinchyk would tick the box for his next fight. Lomachenko vs. Stevenson or Davis would be a thrilling sight for boxing fans.
