Lomachenko Aims For Undisputed Title To Erase Haney Loss Controversy
Vasiliy Lomachenko has set his sights on becoming a world champion again and then undisputed.
The Ukrainian is a three-division champion who has won titles at 126, 130 and 135 pounds. While that may be true, Loma fell short of becoming the Undisputed Lightweight Champion in his last fight. He lost to Devin Haney via a unanimous decision in a fight where most of the boxing community felt he should have been given the decision. Shakur Stevenson labelled it a robbery, while Loma’s team indicated their desire to appeal it. The appeal never happened, and the result stood as Haney moved up to 140.
“The biggest robbery in the daylight. Haney’s team got Christmas in the summer. We’re going to appeal this decision. Those judges, they do not understand how the boxers are working hard. I guarantee we’re not going to let that go. We want to show there has to be justice,” Lomachenko’s manager Egis Klimas said
Lomachenko’s Goal
Lomachenko responded by taking the year out as he turned down the chance to face Shakur Stevenson for the then-vacant WBC Lightweight Title. Now Loma takes on George Kambosos Jr. for the vacant IBF title at 135 to become a champion again.
“Right now, my goal is to be world champion again. After, I can start thinking about undisputed again,” Loma said
Nevertheless, the Ukrainian does face some challenges to becoming the undisputed champion. Shakur holds the WBC belt but has decided to retire from boxing, meaning there are question marks over his future moving forward. But since they are both with Top Rank, the chances of making that fight are much easier.
The WBA champion is Gervonta Davis. Tank was not happy when he was elevated from his regular title to a full champion, showing he had no desire to secure titles but rather make the biggest paydays. That may hinder Loma’s attempts to win all the belts if Davis’ camp feel the fight is not lucrative enough. As for the WBO belt, the WBO have ordered Emanuel Navarrete and Denys Berinchyk to fight for the vacant title.
“Please be advised that the WBO World Championship Committee hereby orders the commencement of negotiations for the subject matter bout. The parties herein are granted 15 days upon notice of this order to reach an agreement. If an accord is not reached within the time frame outlined herein, purse bid procedures will be ordered pursuant to WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests,” WBO stated
Since the belts will be scattered, Loma will have to beat numerous champions to become undisputed, whereas before, it was just Haney. At 35, his task has become much tougher. There are still questions if Lomachenko has recovered mentally from the Haney loss, which will all be answered when he takes on Kambosos. If Loma does not become undisputed, it will be one regret that he’ll have to live with.
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