BoxRec

In a very controversial move, the WBC board of governors has accepted Vasiliy Lomachenko petition to fight for the vacant WBC lightweight title.

A fight between mandatory challenger, Luke Campbell, and Lomachenko, has now been officially ordered for the vacant WBC belt.

Lomachenko already holds the WBO and IBF world titles at 135-pounds - and now steps over all of the ranked WBC contenders to get a title shot.

A tournament will be ordered to determine the mandatory challenger of the division with the following fights.

Silver champion Zaur Abdullaev must fight Devin Haney, and Teofimo Lopez must face Javier Fortuna. The winners of these matches will fight each other to determine the mandatory contender of the division.

Abdullaev, Haney and Lopez were all expecting to get in line to fight for the vacant WBC title, and now have to go through a tournament which could play out until the end of 2020.

Eddeh obviously trying to sell the fight.

It’s controversial, but I don’t mind.

But then feel the guys below now have to fight 2 times to become mandatory.

I think it’s fair to say the ‘tournament’ will not go ahead. Lopez is already looking at Commey.

I wonder what Crolla will say about Campbell's chances.

If it’s in the UK, any real boxing fan will want to see Loma in the flesh. He’s brilliant.

Agreed.

Loma is the best in the division by far. The WBC understandably want him as their belt holder.

Lamb to the slaughter.

For some reason I thought the Haney fight was for the WBC belt. Or is this just more WBC shenanigans.

Fearful_Freddie wrote: ↑07 May 2019, 15:17 Lamb to the slaughter.

Another Brit going to get a bad beating.

Loma will absolutely school Campbell & the world & his dog know it

Oiky wrote: ↑07 May 2019, 15:31 Loma will absolutely school Campbell & the world & his dog know it

Mate my cat knows it and her daughter knows it too.

stujones wrote: ↑07 May 2019, 14:28 I wonder what Crolla will say about Campbell's chances.

Why do I have a feeling this will be like Loma-Crolla?

Campbell might be in his prime or whatever, but he didn’t beat Linares either.

Loma fighting Linares’ left over meat.

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑07 May 2019, 15:37 Mate my cat knows it and her daughter knows it too.

100%

Hearn and Campbell have been waiting for over 2 year for Garcia to vacate so they could have a winnable fight for the WBC. Serves them right. And for Hearn to criticize them for unifying the division and moving a step closer to 1 champ in the division is laughable.

Would have loved to have seen Eddie's face when he got the news

Loynesy wrote: ↑07 May 2019, 14:58 If it’s in the UK, any real boxing fan will want to see Loma in the flesh. He’s brilliant.

Saw him at the Olympics. Was cool.

rio wrote: ↑07 May 2019, 16:38 Hearn and Campbell have been waiting for over 2 year for Garcia to vacate so they could have a winnable fight for the WBC. Serves them right. And for Hearn to criticize them for unifying the division and moving a step closer to 1 champ in the division is laughable.

I agree. Wanted no part in Garcia, wanted to fight for a vacant belt against some stiff (hopefully) and now have been royally shafted! Gotta love it!

Nondescript wrote: ↑07 May 2019, 17:03 I agree. Wanted no part in Garcia, wanted to fight for a vacant belt against some stiff (hopefully) and now have been royally shafted! Gotta love it!

I think Hearn really wanted to make Campbell vs Haney for the vacant belt, thus guaranteeing another belt for Matchroom.

Arum has got one over on him here.

keirw wrote: ↑07 May 2019, 17:16 I think Hearn really wanted to make Campbell vs Haney for the vacant belt, thus guaranteeing another belt for Matchroom.

Arum has got one over on him here.

I think Eddie thinks it's a given that it will be in the UK aswell. I have a feeling ESPN will throw a fair chunk of change at this to try and get it in the states.

rio wrote: ↑07 May 2019, 16:38 Hearn and Campbell have been waiting for over 2 year for Garcia to vacate so they could have a winnable fight for the WBC. Serves them right. And for Hearn to criticize them for unifying the division and moving a step closer to 1 champ in the division is laughable.

What’s the point then of the WBC having rankings ?

Loma straight in ahead of 2,3,4,5 in the Rankings.

Same with Whyte at the moment - and that’ll end up in court - they are making some bizarre calls.

Nondescript wrote: ↑07 May 2019, 17:21 I think Eddie thinks it's a given that it will be in the UK aswell. I have a feeling ESPN will throw a fair chunk of change at this to try and get it in the states.

Not so sure - Bob Arum wasn’t happy at overpaying for Crolla - said about 10 times.

3132DW wrote: ↑07 May 2019, 17:30 Not so sure - Bob Arum wasn’t happy at overpaying for Crolla - said about 10 times.

Just seen that Lomachenko wants it in the UK anyway! Have to see if i can get tickets for that one. Don't really wanna miss seeing Loma in the flesh. Saw him at the Olympics in London, but that's not quite the same.

3132DW wrote: ↑07 May 2019, 17:30 Not so sure - Bob Arum wasn’t happy at overpaying for Crolla - said about 10 times.

This fight will definately happen in the UK.

Nondescript wrote: ↑07 May 2019, 17:31 Just seen that Lomachenko wants it in the UK anyway! Have to see if i can get tickets for that one. Don't really wanna miss seeing Loma in the flesh. Saw him at the Olympics in London, but that's not quite the same.

Late in the day for Hull for stadium fight as teams will be laying new pitches - can only be MEN/O2 ?

Maybe Hull KR but that’s only 10k.

Unless it’s co main event for PPV in 2nd half of year ?

Nondescript wrote: ↑07 May 2019, 17:21 I think Eddie thinks it's a given that it will be in the UK aswell. I have a feeling ESPN will throw a fair chunk of change at this to try and get it in the states.

The only way this fight takes place in the UK is if Loma really wants it to be.

Which he might, he has fond memories of London and it is closer for Ukrainians to travel. So you never know.....

3132DW wrote: ↑07 May 2019, 17:33 Late in the day for Hull for stadium fight as teams will be laying new pitches - can only be MEN/O2 ?

Maybe Hull KR but that’s only 10k.

Unless it’s co main event for PPV in 2nd half of year ?

This should only be at Manchester Arena. 21k capacity, bigger than O2 and closer to Hull. Could easily be a sell out and can see many Ukrainians flying over.

Doesn’t need to be right on Campbell’s foot step. IF he wins, he can have his first defence at Hull KR if that’s the case.