Expert Analysis: How to Beat Lomachenko?
The highly anticipated fight between Vasiliy Lomachenko and Teofimo Lopez Jr. to unify the lightweight world titles is presented as a match with a reserved forecast. Lomachenko’s experience, with an amateur record of 396-1 and titles in three professional divisions, faces Lopez’s youth and power. But, what does it take to beat one of the most technical boxers in the world? We analyze the keys with testimonies from former champions who faced Lomachenko.
When I prepared to fight him, I knew that Lomachenko was a very intelligent boxer. We had to make him feel uncomfortable, not let him think, be on top of him to make a good fight, and that’s what happened that night.
Orlando Salido
Orlando Salido, who defeated Lomachenko by split decision on March 1, 2014, highlights the Ukrainian’s intelligence and the need to nullify his ability to think in the ring. Salido reveals that his strategy was based on constant pressure, preventing Lomachenko from deploying his game of movements and combinations.
Salido focused on body work, acknowledging the brutality of Lomachenko’s punches in that area. Although he didn’t feel his power in the direct punches, the hooks to the liver were decisive. Salido predicts a victory for Lomachenko, either by decision or knockout, arguing his greater mobility and ability to take advantage of the timing.
Lomachenko is definitely a boxer with a very high IQ. He adapts to the style of each opponent. If you change your strategy in the middle of a fight, he adapts immediately.
Jose Pedraza
José Pedraza, who lost to Lomachenko by unanimous decision on December 8, 2018, agrees on the Ukrainian’s high intelligence and his ability to adapt. Pedraza highlights Lomachenko’s patience and his ability to wait for the right moment to attack, in addition to his impressive physical condition that allows him to execute constant lateral movements.
Pedraza advises maintaining distance and moving constantly to avoid being an easy target for Lomachenko. He acknowledges the importance of aggressiveness and throwing more punches to destabilize the Ukrainian. Pedraza underlines Lomachenko’s ability to wear down his opponents, frustrating them by making them miss their punches, and predicts a decision victory for Lomachenko, although he does not rule out a knockout if he manages to frustrate and wear down Lopez.
It’s almost impossible to find someone like Lomachenko. He’s very difficult to read with the punches he likes to throw. He’s a unique fighter.
Anthony Crolla
Anthony Crolla, who was knocked out by Lomachenko in the fourth round on April 12, 2019, highlights the difficulty of finding a sparring partner who simulates Lomachenko’s unique style. Crolla admires his footwork and his ability to combine punches, as well as his economy in their use. Crolla predicts a knockout victory for Lomachenko, arguing that Lopez’s aggressiveness could be counterproductive.
Lomachenko is the best body puncher I’ve seen and seems to become more relentless as the fight goes on.
Luke Campbell
Luke Campbell, who lost by unanimous decision on August 31, 2019, highlights Lomachenko’s intelligence in the ring and his ability to wear down his opponents, especially with body shots. Campbell believes that the only way Lopez could win is by knockout, but he doesn’t see it as feasible. He predicts that Lomachenko will wear down Lopez with his agility, movements, and boxing intelligence, in addition to his relentless punishment to the body.
Lomachenko is a counter-puncher, quite strong. He was moving backward as we had planned, so when he counterattacked, I caught him.
Miguel Marriaga
Miguel Marriaga, who lost by TKO in the seventh round on August 5, 2017, highlights the importance of waist movements to avoid Lomachenko’s punches and the need to counterattack. Marriaga felt Lomachenko’s power, especially in body shots. Marriaga warns that to beat Lomachenko you have to make him miss and hit him hard, because he is very elusive. Marriaga predicts a knockout victory in the ninth round for Lomachenko.
In summary, the former champions agree that to beat Lomachenko requires a strategy based on pressure, mobility, intelligence, and adaptability. The key is not to let him think, wear him down physically, and frustrate him with effective movements and punches. The fight between Lomachenko and Lopez promises to be a duel of strategies and skills, where the ability to adapt and physical endurance will play a fundamental role.
