Vasyl Lomachenko vs. Kenichi Ogawa.

Now, think about why he didn't fight Kambosos.

 

While a move down in weight can be problematic for older fighters, I believe Lomachenko would presently best all of the top fighters at 130 (including Stevenson). It's a pity Loma didn't spend more time campaigning at what was/is his optimum weight.

 

Loma is currently in a war…

 

Against Stevenson would be a close fight, I think that’s the only really interesting fight for Loma. I doubt that we’ll see Loma back in the ring though

 

All wars end, and the conflict in Ukraine is no different. If the impending battles in the Donbas degenerate into something of a static, attritional stalemate, I suspect that a negotiated settlement may come sooner rather than later.

We will see Lomachenko in the ring again before the end of the year.

I agree that the Stevenson fight would be a very competitive, high skills chess match. Lomachenko is at his best when he can dictate pace and apply educated pressure.

While Stevenson is superb defensively, and will likely frustrate Loma at times, I don't believe he has the power to dissuade the speedy Ukrainian from initiating the action.

Additionally, at 130lbs, Loma can hit, and I think his edge in power and busier approach would be enough to get a decision.

 

No, I don't.

While he's heroically serving his embattled nation, I think it would be naive to conclude he isn't also wondering about his career. That doesn't make him selfish or any less of a patriot, however.

 

Thread makes no sense whatsoever. He turned down a lineal unified fight cause he is in a war torn country. So why would he fight anyone else now.

 

Impending battles? Donbas is where Mariupol is, that’s where Russia has focused their attack and taken over. They’ve attacked Odessa now as well, and I think that’s where Lomachenko would be stationed.
This war will continue for a long time. I won’t get into the reasons why but that’s almost certainly what will happen. I think Usyk and Lomachenko will never have their heart in boxing again, if they do fight again. They are both into their 30s and they are close to the horrors of war. Usyk looked like he had aged 10 years in his most recent video. As he said, boxing is child’s play compared to the reality of war. They won’t want to be punching anyone after this, and they will want to relax with their families and money.
I’ll be shocked if we see Lomachenko again this year. Who even cares about boxing really, I’d be satisfied if he simply escapes the war alive. I consider him retired at this point.

I agree with your fight evaluation, if the war hadn’t happened. 50-50 if he did return he would be a shell of the fighter he was.

 

Yes, the impending battles in the Donbas. I neither suggested nor intimated that there hadn't been earlier or ongoing battles in that region. The Russians have targeted Odessa with air strikes, but they have yet to launch either a land-based or amphibious assault on the city. (Lomachenko is serving in a territorial defense battalion in his hometown about 90 minutes south of Odessa.)

I cited the Donbas to distinguish it from other theaters or Russian axes of advance (Kiev axis, for example). Moreover, the battles in the Donbas thus far have not been decisive; the impending Russian offensive to encircle or expel the Ukrainian JOF from that area will likely be the culminating campaign of the war.

Follow me now?

As for the rest of your remarks, I think you may be underestimating the resiliency of Usyk and Lomachenko. Indeed Usyk may very well embark on his upcoming match with Joshua with an animating spirit of patriotic pride and responsibility.

Ted Williams returned from over three dozen combat missions as a Marine aviator during the Korean War and continued with his legendary baseball career.

Every man is different and only time will tell.

 

I can't envision Loma belt chasing at this stage in his life and career. I could see him in a cashout fight at some point, but not yet. Too many unknowns.

 

Loma is a bit busy..