Vasyl Lomachenko: Savour This Boxing Greatness While it Lasts

“I guess I should change my name now to NoMaschenko.”

After remarkably outclassing Guillermo Rigondeaux over six dominant rounds in New York City, it looked impossible for Vasyl Lomachenko to endear himself to boxing fans any further. But he did just that.

The Ukrainian produced yet another masterful performance in the ring to overwhelm, outwork and ultimately force fellow double Olympic Gold medallist ‘Rigo’ to surrender to his clear superiority.

Following claims of a hand injury, which have since been confirmed to be false, during the aftermath of a one-sided sixth round, Rigondeaux’s (17-1, 11 KOs) corner acted quickly and called a halt to proceedings.

In doing so Lomachenko (10-1, 8 KOs) saw himself earn a fourth straight stoppage success of which his opponents have muttered boxing’s sacrilegious words, “no mas”, or their corners have retired them.

‘Hi-Tech’ doesn’t just beat his opponents, he systematically breaks them down both mentally and physically and forces them into submission.

‘Loma’ may not possess concussive, one-punch knockout power, but he is able to culminate immense pressure and engulf top-quality challengers with his demoralising shots from all angles. Such a diverse approach sees him continue to justify widespread analogies with ‘The Matrix’.

The latest defence of his WBO super-featherweight crown was perhaps his most impressive to date, in a historic clash which had initially been dubbed as a meeting between two of the world’s most skilful and technically brilliant champions.

But it was this exceptional Ukrainian that proved his ascendancy, not only over a well-beaten Rigondeaux, whose career now lies in tatters, but in the sport as a whole.

Every so often a fighter comes along that changes the dynamics of pugilism, seemingly creating their own unique style of ringcraft and setting new standards for their peers.

Vasyl Lomachenko is such a boxer.

With every passing masterclass within the squared-circle, the Ukrainian is seemingly proving himself to be a once-in-a-lifetime individual.

“It just amazes me what this guy does to an opponent,” declared appreciative promoter Dino Duva in light of the ‘Rigo’ demolition.

“He just frustrates his opponent so bad you don’t even know what to do.”

Widespread acceptance of Lomachenko’s greatness is exhibited in the current climate with both complimentary comparisons and highly debatable fantasy match-ups, as some fans question if he could even compete with a certain Floyd Mayweather Jr at his 130lbs prime.

Even early on in his already glowing professional career, having left an astonishing amateur record of 396-1 behind to enter the paid ranks in 2013, ‘Loma’ was being compared and placed in the same breath as legends such as Muhammad Ali.

Top Rank boss and Lomachenko’s adoring promoter Bob Arum was one elder figurehead to make such a flattering comparison, which is perhaps premature and outlandish at this still early stage.

But with his dazzling artistry in the confined comforts of a boxing ring being nothing short of special, the world’s quickest ever two-weight world titlist is undoubtedly a master of his trade.

So savour every majestic movement, every captivating display of skill and fistic shrewdness, every charming catchphrase and his unapologetic swagger both in and out of the ring.

The enchanting 29-year-old has so much more to offer but, as 2017 in particular proved, a fighter’s career can be over in a flash. Just be sure to enjoy the greatness while it lasts.