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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 29: Vasyl Lomachenko smiles during the Vasiliy Lomachenko and Luke Campbell press conference in the lead up to there WBC, WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Title Fight at the Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel on August 29, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 29: Vasyl Lomachenko smiles during the Vasiliy Lomachenko and Luke Campbell press conference in the lead up to there WBC, WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Title Fight at the Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel on August 29, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
Vasyl Lomachenko voiced his opinion on Teofimo Lopez’s desire to move up in weight. Lopez beat Lomachenko in October in a fight that shocked the world. Lomachenko was the favorite, but a reported injury meant fans didn’t get to see the real ‘Loma’.
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OXNARD, CA – APRIL 24: Vasyl Lomachenko works out during a media workout on April 24, 2018 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)
After the loss, the Ukrainian has been very vocal about many aspects of the sport. He has accused Teofimo Lopez of bribing the judges. However, he has now addressed Lopez’s desire to move to 140.
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This is a result of Lopez saying he would like to move up to the 140-pound division rather than staying in the lightweight division. However, ‘Loma’ was having none of it and made no secret of his opinion.
Speaking to
SNOWQUEENLA on YouTube, Lomachenko said, “These guys will eat him alive. Lopez at 140? He won’t pass through the 140-pound champions. He won’t. At least for right now, in the next year at least, that’s for sure.”
The Ukrainian added, “And to be honest, I don’t think he would want to fight Ramirez. Because he understands that at 135, he has better opportunities. I’m not sure why he would want to move up”
Why does Vasyl Lomachenko think Teofimo Lopez will not succeed?
The difference in weight limits is a tricky subject in boxing. The slightest change in weight could disrupt all tactics and strategies. Furthermore, there are arguments that the skills that serve well in one weight class may not work at a higher weight.
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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 9: MANDATORY CREDIT Bill Tompkins/Getty Images Vasyl Lomachenko ( aqua blue and yellow trunks ) defeats Guillermo Rigondeaux ( purple and gold trunks ) by RTD in the 6th round. Madison Square Garden on December 9, 2017 in New York City. Lomachenko in victory. (Photo by Bill Tompkins/Getty Images)
Lopez is a fairly big lightweight and cuts a lot of weight to fight at 135. However, will he be as effective at 140 is the question? When you look at Jose Carlos Ramirez, you see that he has different attributes when compared to ‘The Takeover’.
So, although it is possible, it is a very difficult achievement. Especially fighting a champion in a higher division. Furthermore, as Lomachenko said, Lopez has unfinished business in the lightweight division. Therefore, fans will agree with the Ukrainian and hope that the 23-year-old stays at 135 for now.
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READ: Vasyl Lomachenko Accuses Ryan Garcia of Lying- Threatens to Post Sparring Videos
