STEVE FARHOOD, Hall-of-Fame Boxing Writer and former Editor of The Ring magazine
“Lomachenko-Rigo is a fascinating matchup of incredible boxers, but I’d feel a lot better about it if the fight had been made closer to Rigo’s best weight, which is 122.
“Loma is likely going to prove too strong against Rigo, and as a result of the size disadvantage, Rigo might feel the need to move, if not run. This could adversely affect the attractiveness of the fight.
“I can’t see Loma losing this one. I don’t know that he’ll stop the Cuban, but I feel confident in saying he should do just that.”
BARRY JONES, former WBO super-featherweight champion, commentating on the fight for Box Nation
“It will be a great fight, better than people expect. Lomachenko has been trying to sell himself and I think he will put it on Riogondeaux and make it a more exciting fight than people think it will be. Lomachenko could take risks and get caught and though I think that pound for pound, Rigondeaux is the harder, sharper puncher, I don’t think he’s big enough. I think Lomachenko will force Rigonxeaux to fight and get the stoppage. Both are geniuses, but this looks a step too far for Rigondeaux. But I say that with no confidence !”
GARETH A DAVIES, Boxing Correspondent of the Daily Telegraph and TV pundit
“This is going to be an extraordinary boxing match between boxers who have equally high boxing IQs, but the problem for Rigondeaux is that he’s fighting a much bigger man who is spiteful with it.
“I can see Rigondeaux being a round or two up after five and then Lomachenko forcing him to fight, chopping him down and stopping him late.
“This fight is a big marker in Lomachenko’s career. This fight could take him a step nearer the top of the pound-for-pound rankings and in a couple of years, l think he will be there.”
RONALD MCINTOSH, commentator for BT Sport who has watched both since they were amateurs
“What a great fight! I have seen so much of these two and they both tick so many boxes. If they were on a video game they would score A plus in every category. I know there’s a saying that two southpaws make for a bad fight, but I think they will bring the best out of each other. I appreciate Lomachenko is younger, fresher and bigger, but I have a feeling Rigondeaux could be his nemesis with his punch picking – and he is a hard single-punch hitter. I go for Rigondeaux – but without too much confidence.”
GRAHAM HOUSTON, Hall-of-Fame boxing writer and editor of Boxing Monthly
“I like Lomachenko, but I’m not sure whether he wins by points or stoppage. He’s younger, bigger, fresher, has a higher punch volume.
“I just don’t think Rigo’s more measured, calculated style of boxing will get it done against this guy, two weight divisions up.”
RICHIE WOODHALL, former WBC super-middleweight champion and TV pundit for BT Sport and Channel Five
“Great fight, but for me, it has to be Lomachenko. He’s too big. Rigondeaux has had a few tough fights at super-bantamweight and now he’s jumping up two weight divisions. That’s a big ask.”
PAUL STEVENSON, Everton Red Triangle coach who trained Jazza Dickens too fight Rigondeaux last year
“Rigondeaux definitely has a chance.
“He will look to stay low, not have many exchanges and just try to do a bit more. He has to avoid a dogfight.”
DAVE COLDWELL, trainer of Tony Bellew and Gavin McDonnell and Sky Sports summariser
“Lomachenko is bigger but Rigondeaux looks to be quite ling and his speed and skills can negate the size disadvantage. Rigondeaux has to nullify Lomachenko, keep him quiet. Rigondeaux needs to make it his sort of fight. If he tries to make it exciting, he could be in trouble.”
FRANKIE GAVIN
The former British welterweight champion and world-title challenger boxed alongside both Lomachenko and Rigondeaux at major championships, including the 2007 World Championship where Gavin won gold.
“Rigondeaux was by far the better amateur. He would have won if they had fought in the amateurs and I wouldn’t be too surprised if he beats Lomachenko on Saturday night. But if I have to pick a winner, I go for Lomachenko. The size is the difference.”
READ MORE:
Rigondeaux: Expect A Massacre Against Lomachenko