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Vasiliy Lomachenko Boxing Career
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cdteliot
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Vasiliy Lomachenko is a Ukrainian professional boxer widely regarded as one of the greatest amateur and professional boxers of all time, having won multiple world titles across three weight classes from featherweight to lightweight.
Prodigious Amateur Beginnings
en.wikipedia.org
Vasiliy Lomachenko was born on February 17, 1988, in Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Ukraine.
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He had an outstanding amateur career, compiling a remarkable record of 396 wins and only 1 loss, which he avenged twice against Albert Selimov. 1
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Lomachenko achieved immense success at the Olympic Games, winning gold medals at both the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics. 1
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This made him a rare two-weight Olympic champion, having won gold in the featherweight and lightweight divisions. 1
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His Olympic dominance was exemplified by outscoring his opponents 58-13 en route to the 2008 gold medal. 1
5 sources
Lomachenko's Dominant Amateur Run
Here is a concise summary of some of Vasiliy Lomachenko's notable amateur results:
Lomachenko's amateur career was marked by dominant decision victories over top opponents across multiple weight classes and major tournaments. His close 18-5 win over Kislitsin at the 2011 World Championships highlighted his ability to prevail in tough battles.
| Competition | Result |
|---|---|
| 2011 World Championships | 18-5 decision win vs. Vyacheslav Kislitsin (Ukraine) in finals 1 |
| 2011 Nikolay Manger Memorial | 17-7 decision win vs. Denis Berinchik (Ukraine) in semifinals 2 |
| 2008 European Championships | 7-1 decision win vs. Araik Ambartsumov (Russia) in finals 1 |
| 2008 Beijing Olympics | 10-1 decision win vs. Khedafi Djelkhir (France) in finals 1 |
| 2007 World Championships | 14-13 decision win vs. Li Yang (China) in semifinals 1 |
| 2006 Junior World Championships | 12-1 decision win vs. Óscar Valdez (Mexico) in semifinals 1 |
| 2005 Semen Trestin Memorial | Decision win vs. Vyacheslav Goyan (Moldova) in finals 2 |
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Transition to Professional Boxing
dailymail.co.uk
Vasiliy Lomachenko made a seamless transition from his illustrious amateur career to the professional ranks in 2013.
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He wasted no time in making his mark, tying the record with Thailand's Saensak Muangsurin for winning a world title in the fewest professional fights by capturing the WBO featherweight championship in just his third bout. 1
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Lomachenko's meteoric rise was fueled by his exceptional skills honed over nearly 400 amateur fights, including his trademark hand speed, timing, accuracy, footwork, and defensive prowess. 1
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His unique blend of athleticism and creativity allowed him to dominate opponents from the outset of his pro journey. 1
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Lightweight Division Dominance
reddit.com
Here are Vasiliy Lomachenko's major achievements and titles:
- WBO Featherweight Champion: Won in his third professional fight.
- WBO Junior Lightweight Champion: Won in June 2016, with four successful title defenses.
- WBA Lightweight Champion: Won in May 2018.
- WBC Lightweight Champion: Won the vacant title in August 2019.
- IBF Lightweight Champion: As of May 2024, he holds this title. 12
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3 sources
World Championships Highlights
dazn.com
Here is a concise summary of Vasiliy Lomachenko's results at major world championships and Olympic Games:
Lomachenko had an exceptional amateur career, winning gold medals at multiple World Championships, European Championships, and the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games across featherweight and lightweight divisions. His only loss came against Albert Selimov at the 2007 World Championships, which he later avenged twice.
| Competition | Results |
|---|---|
| 2007 World Championships | Defeated Cotto, Papazov, Bernadski, Santos Reyes, Li Yang Lost to Albert Selimov 11-16 (Silver medal) 1 2 |
| 2009 World Championships | Defeated Aleksić, Evans, Stanković, Valdez, Vodopyanov Won gold medal 1 |
| 2011 World Championships | Defeated Moala, Ramírez, Conceição, Gaibnazarov, Valentino, Toledo Won gold medal 1 2 |
| 2006 Junior World Championships | Defeated Gizhlaryan, Vodopyanov, Selby, Najafov, Portuondo Won gold medal 1 2 |
| 2008 Beijing Olympics | Defeated Selimov, Sooltonov, Li Yang, Kılıç, Djelkhir Won gold medal 1 |
| 2012 London Olympics | Defeated Arias, Verdejo, Toledo, Han Soon-Chul Won gold medal 1 |
| 2008 European Championships | Defeated Nikiforov, Joyce, Ziouti, Ambartsumov Won gold medal 1 |
| 2004 Cadet European Championships | Defeated Paraschiv, Žemaitis, Barseghyan, Aleshkin Won gold medal 1 |
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Recent Fights Recap
bleacherreport.com
Vasiliy Lomachenko recently suffered a setback against Devin Haney in their highly anticipated fight in 2023, losing by unanimous decision.
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However, he bounced back in 2024 by defeating George Kambosos Jr. via TKO to reclaim the IBO and IBF lightweight titles. 4
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Lomachenko's loss to Haney was his first professional defeat, snapping an impressive 16-fight winning streak dating back to 2014. 2
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While he started strongly, Haney's movement and activity levels proved too much as the fight progressed. 1
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At 35 years old, questions were raised about Lomachenko's future in the sport after such a decisive loss. 1
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His victory over Kambosos Jr. has reignited his career, regaining two of the four major lightweight belts he previously held. 4
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Lomachenko showed glimpses of his vintage form, breaking down the Australian over nine rounds before the referee waved off the contest. 4
With major titles once again in his possession, the Ukrainian legend has options for high-profile fights and potential unification bouts in the stacked 135 lbs division. 5
5 sources
Style and Legacy
sports.yahoo.com
Vasiliy Lomachenko is renowned for his exceptional fighting style that blends hand speed, timing, accuracy, creativity, athleticism, defense, and footwork.
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His unique and unorthodox approach has earned him recognition as one of the greatest talents in boxing history.
Lomachenko has been named Fighter of the Year by prestigious organizations like the Boxing Writers Association of America and ESPN for his outstanding performances and accomplishments. 1
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He is consistently ranked among the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world by major boxing publications, a testament to his dominance across multiple weight classes. 2
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Beyond his in-ring prowess, Lomachenko's impact on the sport is solidifying his legacy as an all-time great. His mastery of the sweet science has inspired a new generation of fighters and captured the imagination of fans worldwide. 1
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As he continues to add to his already impressive resume, Lomachenko's place in boxing's pantheon is all but assured.5 sources
Closing Thoughts
Vasiliy Lomachenko's accomplishments as an amateur and professional boxer are truly remarkable. His Olympic gold medals in two different weight divisions, along with his extensive list of victories over elite opponents like Abner Cotto and Arturo Santos Reyes, solidify his status as one of the greatest amateur boxers of all time.
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Lomachenko's transition to the professional ranks was equally impressive, tying the record for winning a world title in the fewest fights by capturing the WBO featherweight championship in just his third bout. 1
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His dominant performances against top professionals like Chris Algieri further showcased his exceptional skills and cemented his legacy as an all-time great across multiple weight classes. 5
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As Lomachenko continues to add to his already impressive resume, his place among the pantheon of boxing greats is all but assured. His unique blend of speed, accuracy, footwork, and ring intelligence has inspired a new generation of fighters and captured the imagination of fans worldwide. 1
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Lomachenko's impact on the sport extends far beyond his individual accomplishments, solidifying his status as a true ambassador for the sweet science.5 sources
Related
how did Lomachenko's amateur achievements compare to other legendary boxers
what were the challenges Lomachenko faced in transitioning from amateur to professional boxing
how did Lomachenko's early life and training influence his boxing style
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