More than a year ago, Vasiliy Lomachenko suffered the biggest setback of his professional career thus far. Under the bright lights of the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Lomachenko fell short in a title defense against rising star Teofimo Lopez. Making matters worse, there was no “rematch clause” included in the fight contract. As a result, Lopez went on to fight George Kambosos while Lomachenko was left chasing his title yet again.
He returned to the ring in June and defeated fellow lightweight contender Masayoshi Nakatani in Las Vegas. Looking as spectacular as ever, Lomachenko became the first man stop Nakatani. Five months later, he’s still chasing a lightweight title shot as he fights former titleholder Richard Commey. With his sights set on George Kambosos, Lomachenko is as focused as ever as he enters the ring on Saturday night.
“It’s the next step to my goal now. I have a dream, be undisputed world champion. I failed to fulfill my dream,” he told ESPN.
Lomachenko’s dream could still come true if he beats Commey tonight on ESPN.
Quick Facts
Who: Vasiliy Lomachenko, Richard Commey
What: Lightweight Bout
When: December 11, 2021 at 8 p.m. ET
Where: Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden (New York, NY)
How To Watch: ESPN (Free)
Lomachenko-Commey will occupy a primetime slot on ESPN. Immediately following the Heisman Trophy ceremony, the televised card will provide a spotlight to the two seasoned fighters as well as prospects like Jared Anderson, Nico Ali Walsh and Xander Zayas. Best of all, it’s free! After a weekend full of PPV and subscription events, Top Rank will provide a free card on cable.
Who Is Vasiliy Lomachenko?
Hometown: Bilhorod-Dnistrovs’kyi, Ukraine
Record: 15-2 (11 KOs)
Last Fight: Lomachenko def. Nakatani (TKO, 9)
“It’s an honor for me [to fight] in the mecca of boxing,” Lomachenko said about fighting on ESPN at Madison Square Garden.
“I respect it and I can’t wait until Saturday night.”
Who Is Richard Commey?
Hometown: Accra, Ghana
Record: 30-3 (27 KOs)
Last Fight: Commey def. Marinez (KO, 6)
“I have the whole of my country behind me and all of the little children back home who want to get to where I am. I’m coming; I know it’s not an easy fight but I’m coming,” Commey told CBS Sports about the upcoming fight.
“I’m coming. With all my heart, my God and my team, I am coming. I am coming to put on a good show.”
Predictions
Media
- Ryan Shepard, Def Pen: Lomachenko def. Commey
- Brian Campbell, CBS Sports: Lomachenko def. Commey
- Will Esco, SB Nation: Lomachenko def. Commey
Fighters
- Oleksandr Usyk, Heavyweight Champion: Lomachenko def. Commey
- George Kambosos, Lightweight Champion: Lomachenko def. Commey
- Terence Crawford: Welterweight Champion: Lomachenko def. Commey
Oddsmakers
- Caesars Sportsbook: Lomachenko (-800) | Commey (+550)
