Lomachenko Ready for Rigondeaux after Dillashaw Spar
After what has already been an incredible year for boxing so far, the action continues into December with another epic showdown on American soil as Ukrainian star Vasyl Lomachenko finally collides with Cuban ace Guillermo Rigondeaux.
New York City’s world-famous Madison Square Garden Theatre will be the host of such an intriguing and exciting fight between two men that are both considered to be the greatest amateur boxers in the history of the sport.
Of course, following their countless honors and efforts in the amateur game, they have earned huge success since switching to the paid ranks, both becoming world champions and gaining widespread reputations as pound-for-pound stars.
This tasty clash will also make history as it will be the first time ever that two former double Olympic Gold medallists have gone on to square off with each other in the professional ranks. Although, it’s current and defending WBO super-featherweight champion Lomachenko that will take to the ring as the odds-on 1/5 favorite in the boxing betting with bet365.
Meanwhile, Rigo is regarded as the 10/3 outsider to gain success on American territory as he makes a daunting jump up two weight classes in order to challenge his Ukrainian opponent for the 135lbs title. The undefeated Cuban southpaw is also eight years older than Lomachenko.
Both men have looked in tremendous shape for their highly anticipated encounter in the Big Apple, with plenty of footage available from their respective training camps. But one surprising aspect of the reigning champion Lomachenko’s previous training schedule was that of sparring UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw.
There has been plenty of talk of crossover clashes throughout 2017, with this being thanks to the bizarre match-up between now-retired five-division world boxing titlist Floyd Mayweather Jr and UFC lightweight belt holder Conor McGregor back in August.
As Dillashaw was preparing for his eventually successful meeting with bitter rival and former stablemate Cody Garbrandt, he was able to secure some rounds with Lomachenko in the build-up, the man who is considered by many to be the best boxer on the planet at the moment.
So how did the MMA fighter get on with arguably boxing’s most gifted and talented performer?
“I need to learn what’s up,” Dillashaw stated after going several tough rounds with the gifted southpaw. “I am always aiming to expand my knowledge as a mixed martial artist. I am such a big fan [of Lomachenko], I would never pass this opportunity up. Even if I get obliterated, it is something I’ll always remember.”
