While very slick, especially given how offensive he is, Lomachenko's been difficult to hit. But starting with the Pedraza fight, he's been getting hit more and more. Has Lomachenko been declined? If so, is it because of his long ass amateur career? Or is the toll of fighting bigger men taking its toll?
He's definitely not invincible at 135. He doesn't belong there, but I don't think he has declined. He's just giving up a lot of advantages at the weight.
I don't think it's that he's declining, I think it's that he's putting on weight and fighting bigger guys. The punches are more noticeable, and the punches are landing a bit more since he's a bit bigger and slower now.
Bit of both. Age and weight class. He's routinely outsized in addition to being less mobile with the added weight, but I don't think he'd look like the same Loma that fought Russell Jr. if he were to move back down to Feather, either.
This. If you watch the Russell fight it was unbelievable Lomas reflex's, now I watch him and there's a difference, not opponent related, it's his movement, I think for that unique style, he's starting to look tired. Still a freak talent, but before he was the matrix
Pedraza was just the best opponent he had faced up until then. Loma is simply not the same fighter when he's not the larger man. He struggled with the likes of pedraza who tank detonated and Luke Campbell who I expect Ryan Garcia to get rid of within 5 rounds
One of the most beautiful displays of bodypunching I've ever seen. Russell was probably peeing blood for weeks.
Well said GC! Anytime one adds weight above their optimal size, there will be drawbacks. Going to be a tad slower in not only hand speed, but bodily reaction time as well. Plus just fighting naturally larger guy will look different then when facing a boxer of equal size.
Not really. He's just fighting guys his size now, who at times happen to have a little skill. Linares, Pedraza, and Campbell, while not more skilled or talented than Russell Jr. or Rigondeaux, are definitely more skilled than guys like Walters, Koasicka, and Martinez, and they are Loma's height or taller. People often underestimate height. Loma probably would have two more losses on his resume, if Russell Jr. and Rigondeaux were at least 5'7, and not shrimps.
Pretty much this. They have changed his game to be even more focused on pressure. Meanwhile Pedraza and Campbell fully used their physical attributes and gave Loma plenty to handle. It´s a lot easier to move in and out against someone your own size(Crolla) than against someone who knows how to use their physical advantages(something Paul Williams never learned).
I don't think he has declined, but he's probably about to start declining. His fight against Pedraza was the first back from injury. He still won comfortably enough, I've no idea why people make such a deal out of that fight. BuT tAnK wOn EaSiEr He beat Campbell clean too. He doesn't have the record his ability probably should have in truth and probably never will, but Campbell is still a good fighter. Size matters. He's beating good guys who are significantly bigger. That won't last forever though
He ain't that young anymore, so it's common sense he's gonna start declining. IMO it has more to do with his amateur career, it was too ****ing long.
of course he has. He was probably peak performance at around 26 - 28, he's like 32 now. Hes fighting guys bigger than him too which doesn't help.
I think it’s a combination of fighting better opponents and the fact those opponents are now naturally bigger than he is. For the most part, he’s generally always fought solid competition but when he was at featherweight, he could make even the best guys look silly. When he jumped up weight classes, he pretty much got in there with the best guys right away, rather than dealing with tune-up fights. At 135, he finally seems a little vulnerable, which makes the fights more exciting. Even at 32, I would say he’s still at his peak. He hasn’t taken much damage and seems to live a very healthy lifestyle.