Everyone talks about the remarkable amateur career of Vasiliy Lomachenko, his other worldly skill set, his off-the-charts ring intelligence. And for good reason: He’s considered the best amateur fighter ever and has carried his success into the professional ranks.
Teofimo Lopez Jr.’s response to all that? I’ve got game, too.
Lopez wasn’t able to replicate the amateur career of Lomachenko, who won back-to-back Olympic gold medals and finished with a reported record of 396-1. The Honduran-American had a strong career before turning pro, though. He competed for the native country of his parents – Honduras – in the 2016 Olympics and compiled 150-20 mark.
And while he is known for his speed, his explosiveness, his power, he insists he has an excellent skill set. He just hasn’t had to use it much.
Lopez was being interviewed by broadcaster Joe Tessitore during the final news conference before he fights Lomachenko for all four lightweight belts inside the MGM Grand “bubble” on Saturday night. Tessitore mentioned Loma’s vaunted footwork, which prompted Lopez to sing his own praises.
“The thing is, like I’ve said, I have almost four years in the game,” he said. “… You guys haven’t really gotten to see all of me yet. I’ve only been able to give you guys what the fighter (opponent) gives me. I have footwork too.
“Not many know that I’ve been a boxer. I AM a boxer.”
Tessitore followed up by asking him, “You don’t get credit for your boxing?”
He responded in the affirmative. “Yeah. There is so much more than being a strong fighter, coming forward and throwing lucky punches,” said Lopez, referring to the fact Lomachenko labeled Lopez’s knockout punch against Richard Comey as “lucky”.
“The whole thing, when you really get down to it, is ring IQ. You gotta be smart. … And I don’t look bad.”
Lopez (15-0, 12 KOs) does have impressive ability, although how impressive remains to be seen. He also has those physical tools mentioned earlier, as well as a size advantage. Lomachenko (14-1, 10 KOs) isn’t a natural 135-pounder.
The one area where Lopez definitely lags behind Lomachenko is experience. He had far fewer amateur fights and his opposition as a professional pales next to that of Lomachenko, who has had a title at stake in all but one of his fights.
Lopez acknowledges that disadvantage. At the same, he pointed out that this is exactly the kind of fight that, if he wins, will build his own legacy.
“I mean, hey, this is what it takes to go from a good fighter to be a great fighter,” he said. “You have to do things like this. We’ve spoken about this bout for a while now. Why go back on my word? Like I’ve said, I talk the talk and I walk the walk.
“I know I can … I WILL become undisputed world champion.”
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