Lomachenko Once Again World Champion

By William Dumoulin

Photo Credit: Top Rank Boxing

On Saturday night, at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, Top Rank Boxing presented a clash between Vasyl Lomachenko (18-3, 12 KOs) and the Australian, George Kambosos (21-3, 10 KOs). It was a crucial fight for both as it was likely their last chance to become world champion again, with the IBF and IBO lightweight titles on the line.

From the first bell, it was clear that Lomachenko was in a different league compared to Kambosos. The Ukrainian used his agility, speed, and incredible footwork to get inside, throw quality punches, and then get out without taking much damage. The fight ended in the 11th round, with the Australian succumbing to Lomachenko's body shots.

Now the new IBF and IBO lightweight champion, Lomachenko can perhaps dream of a unification bout against the current WBC lightweight champion, Shakur Stevenson. Another possible unification could take place against the winner of the vacant WBO title, as this title will be contested next Saturday between Emanuel Navarette and Denis Berinchyk. However, it will be important to see if the IBF will order the new champion to defend his title against the organization’s mandatory challenger, William Zepeda.

In the co-main event of the evening, WBA bantamweight champion Nina Hughes (6-1, 2 KOs) defended her title against former world champion Cherneka Johnson (16-2, 6 KOs). The Australian managed to prevail by majority decision (96-96, 98-92, 95-95) and seize Hughes' title.

To open the main card, former world title challenger Andrew Moloney (26-4, 16 KOs) had the chance to claim the interim WBC light flyweight title against former world champion Pedro Guevara (42-4-1, 22 KOs). The latter caused an upset and won by split decision (115-113 X 2, 113-116).

A fight on the undercard was one to watch for Quebec boxing fans. Former Olympian Imam Khataev (7-0, 7 KOs), signed by Eye of the Tiger, faced a tough challenge as he was up against light heavyweight "Gatekeeper" Ricards Bolotniks (20-8-1, 8 KOs). Imam passed the test with flying colors, winning by TKO in the 6th round.