Last week we told you that Ward vs. Kovalev was the most important boxing bout of 2016, and the two technicians delivered with a closely-fought clinic that has everyone clamoring for a rematch. Just one week later, you can expect perhaps the second most significant boxing contest of the year when Vasyl Lomachenko (6-1) takes on Nicholas Walters (28-0-1) in Las Vegas, with the WBO world super featherweight title on the line.
But heres what this fight really means for you: a chance to watch two of the hardest-hitting, best young champions in the sport clash for a chance to reach super stardom. There is little doubt that both men will be hungry to do just that.
Read on for our guide to Saturdays biggest fight!
Vasyl Lomachenko:
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The Southpaw was a two-time Olympic boxing gold medalist (2008, 2012)
The Ukrainian became world amateur boxing champion in 2009 and 2011
Compiled an astounding 396-1 amateur record, overall
Turned pro at the age of 25, in October of 2013
Became just the second fighter in professional boxing history to win a world-title in his third contest
Combines thudding punching power with perhaps the fastest hands in boxing
Is a volume puncher
Combines excellent head movement with good footwork to be as elusive, defensively, as he is potent, offensively
His promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, says that they may be gunning to get a match up with Manny Pacquiao within a year
After just seven professional fights, is already considered one of the best boxers in the world, pound-for-pound
Nicholas Walters:
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The Jamaican has not fought in nearly a year
Considered the biggest challenge for Lomachenko to date
One of the most powerful single-punch KO artists in the sport
Has impressive stoppage wins over greats like Nonito Donaire and Vic Darchinyan
Changes levels often and smoothly to make the location and targets of his punches unpredictable
Is a patient and tactical fighter, who hits openings, hard
Has a devastating uppercut to the head off of his level-change
Conclusion: Like last weeks Ward vs. Kovalev, this is an incredibly difficult fight to predict with certainty. Lomachenko makes up for his inexperience as a pro with a lifetime of amateur competition.
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Lomachenko is confident that he will be too technical and elusive to get caught by Walters, and will out-slick and out-pace him enough to win. For his part, Walters says hes in the hurting business, and is confident that Lomachenko cant evade him for 12 full rounds, and that hell ultimately succumb to his punching power.
Both men are likely to be tested in new ways Walters by Lomachenkos speed, and Lomachenkos conditioning and chin vetted by Walters heavy hands and we could very well get a different result on any given night between these two. One thing seems clear, however, this is the right fight at the right time, and the winner will deservedly make a step-up in notoriety and in pound-for-pound rankings.
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