Vasiliy Lomachenko is one of the most accomplished and renowned professional boxers of our generation. From his humble beginnings in Ukraine to become the undisputed lightweight champion of the world, Lomachenko’s life story is one of true determination, grit, and self-discipline.
Table of Contents:
1. Early Life and Background
2. Rise to Professional Boxing Fame
3. Status as Undisputed Lightweight Champion of the World
4. Unconventional Lapel Move and Other Signature Moves
5. Accolades
6. Contribution to Ukraine
- Early Life and Background
Vasiliy Lomachenko was born in 1986 in Ukraine. From a very young age, he showed a keen interest in sports, able to pick up various sports like judo, basketball, and football quickly. He had an aptitude for boxing, and his father Anatoly, himself a former boxer, recognized this and enrolled him in a boxing school at the age of 8. At the age of 10, Lomachenko got his first real taste of success, becoming the youngest Ukrainian to be named champion of Ukraine and then also of Europe. Consequently, he also began to represent Ukraine in international tournaments.
- Rise To Professional Boxing Fame
As his talent and success grew, his interest in boxing also increased. He eventually reached a point where he decided to pursue professional boxing and has so far achieved an impressive record. Lomachenko has a professional record of 16 wins and 2 losses. He has won four different championship belts in four different weight classes, becoming the quickest boxer in history to do so. His overall success can be traced back to his technical and tactical brilliance in the ring as well as his training regime.
- Status as Undisputed Lightweight Champion of the World
Lomachenko is currently the undisputed lightweight champion of the world. He achieved this feat by defeating lightweight champion Jorge Linares in a hard-fought battle that ended in the 10th round with a technical knockout. His speed, skill, and power allowed him to overcome the seemingly insurmountable odds and make history. This further cemented his reputation as one of the best boxers of all time.
- Unconventional Lapel Move and Other Signature Moves
Lomachenko has a wide range of moves at his disposal, but the one that stands out the most is his Unconventional Lapel Move. This move involves him moving around in the ring and then suddenly throwing his opponent off guard by aiming a quick uppercut at their chin, causing them to become destabilized and eventually go down. This move has become his signature, as it has been used countless times by Lomachenko to surprise and overwhelm his opponents.
- Accolades
Lomachenko’s success in the boxing world has resulted in numerous awards and accolades. In 2016, he was named the Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year and was also awarded an MBE from the Queen of England for his work in the Olympic games. In 2017, he was named Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America. In 2019, he was honored with the BWAA Fighter of the Decade award. He is also the only boxer to receive two continental Prospects of the Year awards.
- Contribution to Ukraine
Lomachenko has made an immense contribution to his home country of Ukraine. He donated millions of hryvnias to train Ukrainian youths and launch an amateur boxing league. In addition, he set up a gym in Kiev to promote amateur boxing and develop the skills of local boxers. His success in his professional career has also served as an inspiration for many young boxers in the region.
Vasiliy Lomachenko Quotes
“My father taught me boxing and showed me what this beautiful sport means.” – Vasiliy Lomachenko
“I moved up to 130 pounds hoping champions in this division were not cowards like those at 126 pounds. It looks like I was wrong.” – Vasiliy Lomachenko
“It’s true that I went to dance classes as a young boy, and it did improve my feet, but I don’t believe that it was solely dancing that helped my footwork.” – Vasiliy Lomachenko
“Every fighter fights in the ring the way his opponent lets him fight.” – Vasiliy Lomachenko
“I don’t want to be like any other boxer. My goal is to be a champion in my own style.” – Vasiliy Lomachenko
“I think footwork is one of the most important things to becoming a great fighter. That’s where everything starts.” – Vasiliy Lomachenko
“Most important for me is to fight the best, where the fight means something and fans want it, people want to see it.” – Vasiliy Lomachenko
“As far as moving to 130, I got tired of waiting for the other champions, none of whom wanted to fight me. I’m hopeful that with the move to 130 lbs. will come better fights, particularly against the other champions, so we can make our dream of becoming undisputed champions.” – Vasiliy Lomachenko
“I am like every single fighter – going into the ring, I have in my mind, ‘Finish the bout before all the rounds are over, and to get the victory before that.'” – Vasiliy Lomachenko
“The life of a boxing athlete is short, so I don’t have time to waste or time to take tune-up fights or whatever.” – Vasiliy Lomachenko
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