“Look at the Duck in the Back”: Mike Tyson and Wife Lakiha Spicer Overshadowed by Fans Berating Vasyl Lomachenko at Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov

It’s a duck! No, it’s ‘The Matrix’! The photo clearly showed ‘Iron’ Mike sitting beside his wife, Lakiha Spicer. They had come for the Terence Crawford–Israil Madrimov mega event in Los Angeles. But it seems that, for a change, the background presence has garnered more attention than the boxing great’s appearance. Fans saw Vasyl Lomachenko sitting right behind Mike Tyson, probably staring at the ring.

His pullout from the talks for a much-anticipated fight with Gervonta Davis didn’t go down well across several corners. Many slammed the two-time Olympic gold medalist for avoiding ‘Tank’. It brought to light Shakur Stevenson‘s famous jibe. Calling out ‘Loma’ for a fight, the WBC lightweight champion nicknamed the Ukrainian champion ‘Duck’chencko’. His appearance at the Terence Crawford fight only fueled many fans’ renewed frustration.

‘The Matrix’ prevails

But first, Michael Benson‘s tweet. Showing Mike Tyson and wife, the message was clear: “Mike Tyson has arrived at ringside for Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov.” But no, the fans, it seems, had only Vasyl Lomachenko in their sights.

Returning nearly a year after his third career loss to Devin Haney, on May 12, Vasyl Lomachenko dropped George Kambosos Jr. in front of his home crowd to become a champion for the fourth time. A month later, ‘Gervonta Davis followed suit, defending his title from Frank Martin.

Thus, the road was free for a historical clash between the two stylistically outstanding boxers. But destiny had other plans, it seems. Even the usually reticent trainer of Davis, Kenny Ellis, joined fans in lambasting the two-time Olympic gold medal winner for shying away from such a great opportunity.

In the crosshairs: Vasyl Lomachenko

It was a Mike Tyson photo. But ‘Loma’s inadvertent presence gave many an opportunity to get back at him. That doesn’t mean a few hesitated from taking a dig at the good old poser on the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight. Let’s check what some of the users stated.

Pointing at ‘Loma’, this fan laughed out loudly and took a jibe at the world champion for the lack of commitment he displayed during the ‘Tank’ fight.

Echoing similar sentiments, the next fan also drew attention to Vasyl Lomachenko’s presence. Using the duck emoji, they highlighted his close proximity to someone so great like Mike Tyson, whereas he goes around avoiding challenges in his own career.

It is not clear whether their comment was directed at Mike Tyson or Vasyl Lomachenko. Nevertheless, this fan suggested that either the former heavyweight champion or the reigning lightweight champion get back in the gym and get sharp.

But the next reaction was definitely direct at ‘Iron’ Mike. Despite the reports of the boxing great recovering following his medical emergency, many fans feel that the fight with Jake Paul is still not right. Hence the doubts creeping in, especially concerning Tyson’s health.

The next follower caught hold of the reason given to the ‘Loma’ team for pulling out of the ‘Tank’ fight. The IBF lightweight champion’s side had reportedly shared that the primary reason he doesn’t want a fight this year is because he wants to spend some time with his family.

Subsequent footage from the event shows Lomachenko getting into a heated exchange with Shakur Stevenson.

But fans shouldn’t despair too much. In a way, ‘Loma’s absence seems to have increased the chances of a much-sought-after bout between Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson. As of now, both sides appear confident in a positive outcome from the talks. Where does that leave Vasyl Lomachenko? Perhaps the 36-year-old has come to realize that he might have achieved whatever was there to achieve in his boxing career. Hence, it was time to go a bit slow. Per the available reports, he is expected to come back next year. Let’s see who ends up standing against him. The lightweight division may have undergone some drastic changes by then.

Do you feel that the criticisms against Vasyl Lomachenko are fair in light of his decision not to fight Gervonta Davis?