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From the moment Vasiliy Lomachenko embarked on his pugilistic journey, the former two-time Olympic gold medalist was firmly of the belief that one day, he would cover himself in undisputed glory.
After scratching and clawing his way to a showdown against former unified lightweight champion, George Kambosos Jr., Lomachenko was all smiles. Nevertheless, with his native land of Ukraine forced to defend themselves from the ongoing Russian invasion, Lomachenko (16-2, 11 KOs) pushed his dreams aside and offered a helping hand.
In the immediate aftermath of his decision, Devin Haney happily stepped in. Following two rather one-sided decisions, the flamboyant 23-year-old now reigns supreme as the division’s lone undisputed champion.
While Lomachenko admits that he’s a bit envious of Haney’s current position, he ultimately has no regrets.
“No,” said Lomachenko to Mark Kriegel when asked if he wished he hadn’t pulled out of the fight against Kambosos. “Absolutely not.”
Although Haney would go on to snag every major world title at 135 pounds, for Lomachenko, things could be coming full circle. According to Bob Arum, should the 34-year-old pick up the victory against Jamaine Ortiz this Saturday night, the Hall of Fame promoter will look to place the Ukrainian in the ring against Haney in the first half of 2023.
At one point, having held multiple world titles across numerous weight classes, Lomachenko once proudly held the distinction of being the division’s top man. However, he now acknowledges that with Haney (29-0, 15 KOs) holding firm to his golden trinkets, he undoubtedly calls the shots.
Still, regardless of Haney occupying a position of power, Lomachenko has recently revealed that he has no issue with acquiescing to any of his demands, even if that means the Ukrainian has to hit the road in order to become an undisputed champion.
“Even if he wants to fight at home, I will go there as long as the belts are at stake. I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”