Loma Won But....

I kind of see it the same way. There seemed to be no sense of urgency in Lomachenko. He was winning the fight, I get that, but it was clear to me he could've taken Russell out by turning it up a notch.

Russell, to his credit tried to turn it up, but Lomachenko proved to be too much. His defense was superb last night. He'd be a complete fighter in my eyes if he developed a bit more of that killer instinct.

 

He has to learn quickly that in the pro's it's better not leave it in the hands of the judges

 

He has been fighting in the amateurs for many years. These are three round fights, often with headgear.

To go into professional boxing, take on experienced opponents and FIGHT 12 ROUNDS is practically learning a different sport.

I mean, boxing 3 rounders would be second nature to him. All of a sudden he has to face the possibility of being pushed for four times that amount....that is a huge ask. He has to relearn how to conserve energy, control his aggression, stay focused, pace his breathing etc. To be in that territory is great experience, especially if your opponent isn't a dangerous puncher.

Whether intentional or not, he will become a much better rofessional boxer if he goes the distance like he did.

 

This. People forget that stamina is an issue. He couldn't keep up a non-stop pace for 12 rounds. He was too conservative of stamina vs Salido (why he lost imo) but he got it just about right last night.

He was clever not to punch himself out a few times he had Russell hurt. And Russell has blinding handspeed: it would have been foolish to overengage when ahead against a guy who has potential to land punches he wouldn't see coming.

 

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Vasyl is taking his foot off the gas at the wrong time


That is what I tweeted during the fight. He should have finished Gary. Manny Steward was rolling over in his grave

 

It's pacing. A couple more fights like that (12 good rounds vs. a dangerous opponent) should have him comfortable pushing it.

A lot of people don't realize that Lomachenko's footwork is EXTREMELY taxing on the stamina. He's using the largest muscles of his body dynamically (leaping around, changing directions); contrast it to Hopkins' style (taking little baby steps to conserve energy). He used to do it nonstop for 3 rounds, but now he has to get the pacing right for 12.

I think in a few fights you'll see him able to go hard for 12.

 

Insightful perspective:good

Still would not hurt to have more of an experienced pro trainer assisting him. Joey Gamache was supposed to assume more and more responsibility from Loma's dad but I am not sure where that plan stands at the moment.

 

I agree, especially if they can work on power. Loma hits hard enough but he has a tendency to push his punches (I'm guessing it's an amateur thing, really make sure the head snaps back and the shot scores). I'd like to see him get a little more savage with some shots, but again, that'll use up a lot more energy.

 

Loma has the talent and would conserve energy if he fought like Triple G instead of hopping around so much. i don't know if he has the p4p power (because he rarely sits down on his punches) or chin though. send him to big bear. btw, i guess everyone noticed Russell was reeling at the end of the fight, ready to go. also, i would've liked to have seen a lot more lead straight lefts.

 

This guy has some serious potential, obviously he is the most well-schooled 2-1 fighter ever. I hope he gets some fights in, maybe every other month or something like that, though I know that is tough given he fights for Showtime, don't think they have enough cards to accomodate him like that. I'd like to see him be more aggressive too, I think he should have knocked Russell out but I like what I see with him

 

Loma is with TR and will be back on HBO when Arum's company is the primary promoter.

 

I think it'd cost him in a fight vs Gradovich. He should take a couple of more fights to get more adjusted before he fights him. Honestly, Donaire is an easier fight for him