The lightweight division is stacked with talent just now, and, as we wait for the top contenders to fight, they’re keen to comment on one another.
Vasiliy Lomachenko returned to action this weekend with a hard-fought victory over previously-undefeated Jamaine Ortiz.
The Ukrainian was last in the ring in December 2021, having been helping his country’s efforts against Russia’s invasion ever since. Whilst many felt that the former Unified Champion handled the tough test well, the top four in the division were less impressed. They took to Twitter after the bout, some being more cryptic than others.
Devin Haney
Stay on that side… 🫣
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) October 30, 2022
Haney is widely expected to face Lomachenko next in what would be the second defence of his undisputed belts. The young champion from California was present at the event and even stepped in the ring to begin the negotiations. It’s safe to say that he fancies his chances against the smaller man.
Ryan Garcia
Loma just might be too small for 135 so it seems.
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) October 30, 2022
Garcia, undefeated in 23 fights, is known for his blisteringly quick hands and big social media presence. Whilst he hasn’t faced the top contenders yet, he has expressed a willingness to do so and may just find a fight with Lomachenko down the line. Contrary to his thoughts on the Ukrainian being too small for the division, he may just be too big, with his last two fights being closer to 140lb. Still, should he face the next man on this list as many fans want him to, it’s expected to be at the lightweight limit.
Gervonta Davis
“I’m stopping whoever”
Davis is right to be confident of stoppages. In his 27 fights he’s won 25 of them inside the distance. Known for biding his time and delivering a knockout blow, his style pitted against the discombobulating combinations of Lomachenko is as an intriguing match up as the division can offer. He’s currently embroiled in will-they-won’t-they negotiations with Ryan Garcia, though.
Shakur Stevenson
He not the same fighter he used to be
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) October 30, 2022
The latest addition to division is, in the minds of many fans, one of the biggest dangers. Having held world titles in featherweight and super-featherweight, Stevenson missed weight before his last fight and promptly put the lightweight division on notice.
Whilst he’s yet to have his inaugural scrap, it looks like he’d face Lomachenko in a heartbeat, believing the Ukrainian, whether through age or inactivity, has lost something along the way.
Fans will be hoping to see these men showing the same willingness to fight as they do to judge over the coming months.