In a bright fight in Las Vegas, the Ukrainian boxer Vasiliy Lomachenko defeted the japanese boxer Masayoshi Nakatani.
Image credit: Getty Images
On the night of June 26-27 in Las Vegas, the central boxing event hosted the match between the former world champion in three weight categories, two-time Olympic champion, Ukrainian boxing legend Vasiliy Lomachenko against Japanese boxer Masayoshi Nakatani.
For the citizen of Akkerman, this fight was the first since the misfire in the fight for the title of absolute world champion with Teofimo Lopez. It is worth reminding that in October 2020, Loma, by unanimous decision of the judges, lost to the scandalous American of Honduran descent and at once lost three belts.
The Ukrainian confidently fought in his usual championship style, dominated in all rounds and won by technical knockout in the 9th round. The referee stopped the fight after a long attack by Lomachenko.
It should be noted that at the very beginning of the fight, in the 1st round, Lomachenko received a dangerous dissection after a head-on collision, but this did not affect the fighting ability of the Ukrainian. He completely outplayed the opponent. In the 5th round, Nakatani was knocked down and several times was very close to the final heavy knockout.
For both of them the fight has of the utmost importance. Despite the fact that there was a lot at stake, the athletes before the fight behaved as respectfully as possible, and even joked with each other at the weigh-in.
Unfortunately, Nakatani received serious damage, as evidenced by the fact that he could not even stand up for the announcement of the result. He left the ring with a rather heavy gait, after congratulating Vasily on the victory.
There was another person in the hall who suffered from the Ukrainian's victory, although more morally than physically. Father and coach Teofimo Lopez watched the fight in the front row. After the referee stopped the fight, he indignantly waved his arms, shouted something, and then left the hall almost in hysterics.
After the fight, statistics of blows appeared. The Japanese struck more blows than the Ukrainian: 250 versus 214. However, Masayoshi's goals were only 29, while Vasily's 104! The hit percentage is four times different: 12% and 49%, respectively.
I am very happy because I came back with a victory. I feel very well, I am happy because I fulfilled the task set by my father, I followed the strategy. I won again! Everyone saw how I won, everyone wants my revenge with Lopez. I'm waiting!
Vasiliy Lomachenko
Vasyl's re-fight with Teofimo Lopez may take place in December this year.