The Ring Fight Picks: Vasiliy Lomachenko-Teofimo Lopez
TOM GRAY: LOMACHENKO MD
“I think Lomachenko’s incredible skills are a touch less important in this fight than his championship experience. Lopez is a brilliant fighter, and the sky’s the limit no matter which way this fight goes. Unfortunately, I just don’t think he’s had enough big fights to pull off the upset. Loma is in a different dimension from Commey and the challenger will feel that difference within the opening seconds. But as much as I’m painting doom and gloom for Lopez, I still believe that he will have big moments this fight. I can see him breaking through to hurt Lomachenko and we may even see the pound-for-pound star on the floor. I just don’t think Lopez will be able to keep him there. The MD pick is there because I foresee a dumb scorecard – call it a hunch.”
ANSON WAINWRIGHT: LOMACHENKO UD
“Youth versus experience, sublime skills versus raw power, but that’s not to say Lopez isn’t a terrific boxer, too. Lopez was adamant that he wanted Lomachenko – now he gets to face him and see what all the fuss is about. The old adage, ‘Be careful what you wish for’ springs to mind, he’s poked the bear and that’s dangerous. I think we’ll see Lomachenko box out of his skin. Lopez is too good not to have his moments, but he’ll be a step behind and drop a decision, something like eight rounds to four, which translates to 116-112. Lopez will learn from the 12 rounds with Lomachenko and be a better fighter going forward.”
LEE GROVES: LOMACHENKO UD
“When Lopez first brought up this fight most observers rightly thought it to be premature but now “V-Lo versus T-Lo” is arguably the year’s most anticipated fight thanks to Lopez’s scintillating title-winning performance against Richard Commey. Lopez is bigger, stronger, much younger, hits harder and possesses enormous self-belief. I think Lopez’s best chance will come in the first three rounds because Lopez’s power will be at its zenith and because Lomachenko will (1) be trying to shake off nearly 14 months of ring rust and (2) will still be assessing exactly what is in front of him. If Lomachenko gets past that point without sustaining significant damage, I believe his fusion of intelligence, experience, otherworldly technique, work rate, footwork and left-handedness will frustrate, and ultimately outpoint, Lopez.”
RON BORGES: LOMACHENKO UD
“Lomachenko has forgotten more about boxing than young Lopez knows, which will be Lopez’s undoing. This fight will unfold much like the Alvarez-Mayweather fight did. Lopez will come in with great fire and the confidence of youth but after a few rounds of punching at steam disappearing in front of his eyes he will begin to be hit in ways and from angles he never knew existed. While Lomachenko is beginning to show the signs of age and best be careful early in the fight and late, when Lopez will become desperately frustrated, his technical skills and superior footwork will allow him to prevail convincingly. The one caveat is what can always happen in boxing. I was in the arena the night Kostya Tszyu turned old midway through a fight with Ricky Hatton and ended up quitting on his stool. That can happen to any aging fighter with a lot of wear and tear on him, and Lomachenko is one. But he doesn’t seem as far gone as Tszyu was that night in Manchester, England. Lomachenko 117-111 but the judges will make it a little closer because, well, it’s what they do these days.”
MARTY MULCAHEY: LOMACHENKO UD
“There is a progression boxers must take before tackling an elite opponent, and I do not believe Teofimo has gone through those steps. I admire his ambition, but it is too soon for Teofimo to face Lomachenko. He has not even been tested against a top 10 southpaw yet. Teofimo’s speed and hyperactivity wins the first two rounds, but from that point forward Lomachenko begins to time him and find holes in an increasingly frustrated Lopez. Lomachenko’s angles and quickness will negate Lopez’s size and reach advantage, drawing Lopez towards him and those expertly placed jabs and hooks. It won’t be one-way traffic, but as the rounds ratchet up Teofimo looks for one-punch bombs that Loma evades and builds points against with counters. I see a unanimous decision victory for Lomachenko in the 116-112 range.”
MICHAEL MONTERO: LOMACHENKO UD
“Experience matters. Lomachenko and Lopez both have 15 professional fights, but against a very different level of opposition. Even before turning pro, Loma had over 400+ fights in the amateurs and the World Series of Boxing. He’s seen every fighter style several times over, while Lopez is making a huge leap in opposition against the Ukrainian. I expect the veteran to use his superior footwork and angles to keep Lopez off balance. Loma will win a unanimous decision, probably in the 116-112 range.”
GARETH A. DAVIES: LOMACHENKO UD
“This will be Vasiliy Lomachenko’s toughest fight. He will play matador to Teofimo Lopez’s bullish style, and we will be regally entertained. Loma can lose this fight against a naturally bigger, very aggressive fighter who gives no respite. However, Teo will be hit more, and more accurately, even harder, than he has been hit before. It is a great fight. Lomachenko on points 116-112 after a very tough first third of the contest.”
NORM FRAUENHEIM: LOMACHENKO UD
“It’s a fight loaded with angles. Lomachenko has more of them. Lomachenko’s brilliant mastery of the ring’s geometry figures to be the difference, especially in the later rounds against the younger Teofimo Lopez. The danger for Lomachenko rests in the opening rounds. That’s when Lopez, 23, could hurt the 32-year-old Lomachenko, whose smarts and proven pain tolerance are sure signs he’ll survive the early assault. The Ukrainian has endured injuries to his shoulder and his hands. He has faced, and conquered, the adversity. There will be some – maybe plenty, but not enough to beat him in a compelling fight that ends with Lomachenko winning by two to three points on the cards.”
All picked Loma
