Vasiliy Lomachenko has been referred to as ‘The Matrix’ for the way he is able to outclass opponents, and this one was no different.
Vasiliy Lomachenko now holds a record of 18-3, not quite as impressive as Lomachenko’s amateur record of 396-1 (the best in boxing), though many believe one of his losses, to Orlando Salido, was merely a case of him being thrown in too soon, fighting for a world title in just his second fight, and that another, Devin Haney, was the wrong decision.
There is one fight that bears with it no debate, a fight that was one-sided enough that Lomachenko felt the need to address his opponent’s corner directly, during the fight.
Lomachenko plead with Richard Commey’s corner to stop the fight
In 2021, Lomachenko faced then 30-3 Richard Commey. The pair fought for the vacant WBO Inter-continental title, and, following rounds of punishment, Lomachenko dropped Commey in the seventh round.
As the referee brought the pair together, Lomachenko can be seen asking Commey’s corner if they were going to stop the fight, knowing more punishment was to ensue for their man.
Later in the round Commey can barely stand and leans on the ropes, but instead of finishing him Lomachenko pleads with his corner once more to have mercy on him.
The towel was not thrown in and Commey survived that round, and all of those following, but lost on a wide unanimous decision to the Ukrainian.
Boxer Andrew Moloney shared his experience sparring with Lomachenko and hails him as one of the best of our era.
Lomachenko’s most recent fight saw him win back the lightweight title he lost to Teofimo Lopez in a fight with George Kambosos Jr.
Lomachenko directed Commey back to his corner after wobbling him in the second round
Though most of the drama happened in the seventh round, Lomachenko did wobble Commey early on toward the end of the second.
As Commey wobbled, Lomachenko took a couple steps back, and when the bell sounded, Lomachenko pointed Commey in the direction of his corner, guiding him back to safety.
Though his later actions, pleading with Commey’s corner, were likely for the fighter’s safety over all else, this may have been just a little bit of showboating from the Ukrainian ‘Matrix’.
Lomachenko was in talks to face Gervonta Davis, who was left in tears after an Adrien Broner fight, but withdrew due to lack of motivation. Davis defended Lomachenko amidst ducking allegations though, and understood his struggle.