Lomachenko looking to continue meteoric rise in boxing

NEW YORK: Ukrainian champ Vasyl Lomachenko (pic) will need to demonstrate plenty of patience when he squares off against Cuban tactician Guillermo Rigondeaux in a world title showdown between two multiple Olympic gold medal winners.

The 29-year-old Lomachenko (9-1, 7 KOs) will defend his World Boxing Organisation junior lightweight belt against the unbeaten Rigondeaux (17-0, 11 KOs) when they meet at Madison Square Garden Theatre today.

It is the first time two-time Olympic gold medal winners will fight each other.

“It’s going to be a great fight and it’s going to be a great historical fight that fans will forever look back on,” Rigondeaux said.

Lomachenko will have the size advantage, as the counterpuncher Rigondeaux will be moving up two weight classes for the 12-round fight.

Lomachenko could take that bulk and punching power to try to physically overwhelm the 37-yearold Rigondeaux, but their two styles should make for a technical fight rather than a slugfest.

“I don’t think it’s going to be the kind of fight everyone is waiting for,” Lomachenko said. “You know his style.”

“I need to chase him. I need to do this and not forget my defence because he will wait, wait, wait and wait.”

It has been three years since anyone went the distance with Lomachenko, who won gold in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. He has rocketed to the top of his weight class since turning pro in 2013, winning eight world championship fights in his first 10 pro contests.

“It is a historical bout and most importantly it is an interesting bout for me,” said Lomachenko. —AFP