Loma still dreams of undisputed title, trek begins anew vs. Kambosos
Former unified lightweight champions square off for vacant IBF belt
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As a two-time Olympic gold medalist — at featherweight in 2008 and lightweight in 2012 — and viewed by many as the greatest amateur boxer ever, Vasiliy Lomachenko, who wrapped up his amateur career 396-1 with the loss avenged, was in demand when he elected to turn professional following the 2012 Games.
He could have commanded a sizeable signing bonus, but throughout his career he has never been driven by money, even thought he has made millions.
When he was negotiating with Top Rank it was not a big bonus he was interested in. It was opportunity. He would sign if Top Rank chairman Bob Arum could get him a world title fight in his pro debut. Lomachenko was interested in winning as many belts as he could in as many divisions as his build would allow.
Arum explained that was simply not possible but that it might be in his second fight. Lomachenko signed, won a 10-rounder for a regional belt in his debut against contender Jose Luis Ramirez, and got that title shot in his second fight, even though he dropped a split decision to Orlando Salido, who came in overweight and hit him low repeatedly without warnings from the referee.
Lomachenko would win the vacant WBO featherweight title by toying with Gary Russell Jr. in his third fight to tie the record for fewest bouts needed to win a world title and quickly emerged as a dominant champion.
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