Vasiliy Lomachenko and Teofimo Lopez. (Getty Image)
By: Julio Olmo
Combat Sports Fans’ anticpated showdowns rarley grace our televison screens. Also, they’re usually only at an expensive pay-per-view wall price.
The dilemna forces the sweet science fans to come up with creative Fight Club Nights ways to dig deep into wallets.
That issue, however, will not occur this weekend. ESPN treats us to a free fight: Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. Teofimo Lopez in a lightweight title unification clash at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Lomachenko (14-1, 10 KOs) transitioned well. He went from arguably the greatest amateur boxer in history to the professional fast track.
Lopez (15-0, 12 KO) didn’t become pro with the same hype as Lomachenko, but quickly became an emerging star with a flashy style and serious skills.
The animosity between Lomachenko and Lopez (and their respective father/trainers) is easy to see.
Following nearly an entire year of insults between them now behind, it is time to focus in the fight.
Lomanchenko will fight for his fourth lightweight title and to become, at 135 pounds, the first fighter in the four-belt era to become the undisputed champion.
Lopez, meanwhile, demonstrates that his early knock out last December to claim his first world title ignited momentum.
Who will be crowned undisputed champion in this lightweight division clash?
The 32-year old, Lomanchenko is the betting favorite because of his footwork, speed and technique.
But can he can handle 23-year old Lopez’s explosive power and unpredictable style?
But Lomanchenko and Lopez, are not quick to dish out any respect for each other.
Their unification is Saturday Night in Las Vegas and talking time is over.
That’s what I’m thinking but Loma is gonna show up & that is why ,for me this is Boxing’s most anticipated Fight!
— Cuban Lion (@LionCuban) October 16, 2020
I agree ,he’s still Loma but just feel Teofimo is the real deal!
— Cuban Lion (@LionCuban) October 16, 2020
#UFC Lightweight contender Dustin Poirier makes his prediction for #LomaLopez #Boxing 🥊 @UFCNews @DustinPoirier @ufc 🥊 pic.twitter.com/rplG0EqEGx
— The Voice of One! (@jeolmoz2) October 16, 2020
.@espn's own @JalenRose & @stephenasmith are split down the middle with their #LomaLopez predictions.
Who are you siding with? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/RXCzAeP33A
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) October 16, 2020