Vasyl Lomachenko laid down the gauntlet to the rest of the boxing world tonight.
Lomachenko’s performance tonight has supported the growing number of claims that he is indeed the number one pound-for-pound fighter in world boxing.
His phenomenal talent made for a display of total artistry. Guillermo Rigondeaux was left befuddled and overwhelmed by his opponent’s fluid movement and superior sharpness.
The fight at Madison Square Garden, started cautiously. Rigondeaux commanded centre ring from the opening bell as both fighters sized each other up by pawing and jousting with their right hand leads.
The first round was a real pick ’em, the only one of the night. Lomachenko arguably edged it as he was the aggressor, dictating the pace and the defending champion.
https://twitter.com/boxnationtv/status/939714358220873728
From the second round on, however, it was all ‘Hi-Tech’ doing as he pleased. Lomachenko was on the front foot, scoring repeatedly the majority of the time, he popped his jab in his Cuban adversary’s face.
Rigondeaux was forced to be in a defensive low crouched position for large proportions of the round. ‘Rigo’ was also forced to clinch the champion and drag him toward the ropes a lot in the round too.
Rigondeaux was trying to turn the fight into wrestling match but after breaking after one of the clinches. Lomachenko landed a thudding left hand which seemed to buzz Rigondeaux.
In round three, Lomachenko began to take over the battle completely. He was basically clowning the Cuban 2-time Olympic Gold medal winner and beautifully showcased his talent by tripling up on a dangerous right uppercut.
Rigondeaux was becoming increasingly hesitant and tentative. Lomachenko’s feints and pawing with the jab seeming to throw off ‘El Chacal’s rhythm to counter.
Team "No Mas" pic.twitter.com/PsiDfhF0IQ
— LOMA (@VasylLomachenko) December 10, 2017
Round four, was more of the same. Lomachenko continuing to outclass Rigondeaux in every way and we looked to be headed towards a whitewash decision with Rigondeaux looking lost and content to survive.
He continued to double up and triple up his jab and pile up points to arguably score every single round in his favour after four. The worrying thing for Rigondeaux at this stage was Lomachenko wasn’t even in his top gear yet.
Lomachenko was content to box and move and take apart Rigondeaux in slow fashion.
Round five was another opportunity for Lomachenko to take yet another round.
Rigondeaux was now seemingly only preoccupied with clinching his Ukrainian adversary.
Whenever Lomachenko could get free from the Cuban’s grasp he continued to completely unravel Rigondeaux’s gameplan. Lomachenko had total control of the ring space and dimensions of the battle.
The final round showed a lethargic Rigondeaux seemingly resemble a beaten man.
Lomachenko continued to score at will. It was made evident to everyone in attendance who the superior fighter was.
Count 'em. #LomaRigopic.twitter.com/jxr3gbgoB7
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) December 10, 2017
Rigondeaux even had a point taken away after continued excessive clinching. This compounded his misery after he had already lost the first five rounds.
The Cuban fighter was pulled out of the fight following the sixth round. Rigondeaux’s trainer, Pedro Diaz stated it was down to suffering an injury to his hand.
Rigondeaux himself, indicated he had injured a knuckle. Some are also suggesting funny business from trainer, Diaz in an attempt to protect his fighter’s image.
One thing should be made abundantly clear, Rigondeaux’s injury maybe legitimate.
However, that should not take away from the fact that Lomachenko was clearly by far, the more talented, sharper and superior fighter.
In every possible way, Rigondeaux was overmatched and outgunned in every department from the opening bell.
Vasyl Lomachenko’s legend will continue to roll on as he continues to dazzle demonstrating his phenomenal skill-set.
He has just secured the fourth defence of his WBO super featherweight world title. Furthermore ‘Hi-Tech’ made a serious claim to being the best fighter in world boxing.
Following the fight, Lomachenko jokingly stated he should change his name to ‘NoMasChenko’. A play on words in reference to the 1980 ‘Brawl in Montreal’ rematch between Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard where Duran famously surrendered his title and quit midway through the fight.
NoMasChenko pic.twitter.com/OD8C7LRsXt
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) December 10, 2017
READ MORE:
Tyson Fury: I have b***s like King Kong and a heart of steel!
James DeGale Loses Title Against Caleb Truax
Manny Pacquiao: Conversations have taken place with McGregor!
Lee Selby Outworks Eduardo Ramirez Via Unanimous Decision