Manny Pacquiao was unlucky not to get a win in his recent comeback attempt at the age of 46 years old, but is still a shadow of the man who dropped one game opponent six times.
In 2014, after getting revenge on Tim Bradley following a highly controversial loss in their first encounter, Manny Pacquiao was matched against 20-0 Chris Algieri.
Though Pacquiao was unable to secure a knockout win, and his stoppage drought continued, he did prove himself to be levels above, dropping Algieri six times en route to a clear decision win.
But it was the undercard where something truly special happened.
Vasyl Lomachenko made his first world title defence after just two wins on Pac-Man undercard
On the undercard of Pacquiao vs Algieri, 2-1 Vasyl Lomachenko faced 51-1 Suriya Tatakhun.
Lomachenko was a stellar amateur, racking up the best record in amateur boxing history – 396 victories and just one defeat, which he avenged twice, and so was fast tracked as a pro.
In his debut, Lomachenko faced a 25-3 fighter, whom he stopped in four rounds.
His second fight saw the Ukrainian face 41-12-2 Orlando Salido for the vacant WBO world title. Lomachenko, with just one fight under his belt, fell short on this occasion, though only by split decision.
Now 1-1, Lomachenko won the WBO world title against 24-0 Gary Allen Russell Jr., before facing a 52-fight veteran in Suriya Tatakhun on Pacquiao’s undercard.
‘The Matrix’ won the fight by unanimous decision, scoring his third win against a man with almost 50 fights more than him.
Vasyl Lomachenko retired after an up-and-down career
In his 16th fight, Lomachenko faced 15-0 Teofimo Lopez. This would be the second time he would fall short as a professional.
Despite claims that Lomachenko wasn’t fighting fit going into the match, he did fight and he did lose, making him 14-2.
After the defeat, it would be three years before the Ukrainian would face another close fight, though this one was controversial.
In 2023, he was beaten by Devin Haney for the undisputed lightweight crown, though many believe he truly deserved the nod.
This was the final loss of his career, and, after a return win against George Kambosos Jr., Lomachenko announced his retirement.
In his absence, Raymond Muratella was elevated to champion, and Andy Cruz may get his shot at a world title.
No one will forget the impact of ‘The Matrix’.