Vasyl Lomachenko Sets the Record Straight About His Rivalry With Teofimo Lopez: “I Need This Belt”

Although Vasyl Lomachenko and Teofimo Lopez exchanged heated words, Lomachenko has a different outlook on the fight.

On October 17, two of the best lightweight boxers on the planet, Vasyl Lomachenko and Teofimo Lopez, will battle it out for the WBA (Super), WBO, The Ring, and the IBF lightweight titles.

Also Read: 5 Must-Know Facts About Vasyl Lomachenko’s Next Opponent Teofimo Lopez

Heading into the bout, Lomachenko stated that this bout is not personal, and it’s just business. He seems uninterested in Lopez’s toxic words and is more focused on winning the IBF title.

“Absolutely not. I have a goal. I have a dream, and he [holds] the IBF title. I need this belt,” Vasyl Lomachenko said when asked whether his rivalry with Teofimo Lopez is personal. “And Saturday, October 17, I will try to take his belt.”

The same cannot be said for Lopez, as the undefeated champion showed no respect to Lomachenko. According to reports, the rivalry between the two kicked off when Vasyl disrespected Lopez Sr. in a lobby.

A few hours ago, the duo had an intense face-off after the weigh-ins. Watch it here.

Vasyl Lomachenko reveals what a win over Teofimo Lopez means for him

Vasyl Lomachenko is one of the few boxers to win a title in his first-ever professional bout. Though he failed to conquer the WBO featherweight title in his second match, he captured it in his third fight. Since then, nobody has stopped him. Once his opponents enter “The Matrix,” Lomachenko makes them look like amateurs.

At 32 years old, Lomachenko has no intention of slowing down. He wants to fight the best competition and cement himself as one of the greatest boxers in history.

“When I came into professional boxing, I always wanted to fight with top fighters, with world champions. Now, I have a top fighter in front of me — I want only to improve who I am and to improve my legacy,” Loma said.

Lomachenko’s next opponent might be young, but he cannot be discounted. Lopez is incredibly powerful with his punches and can put anyone to sleep. Check out our prediction for the bout here.

Who do you think will win this fight? Let us know in the comments section below.