Lomachenko-Salido Preview

Lomachenko-Salido Preview

Over the last decade it has become increasingly obvious that boxing is a business first, and a sport second. Nothing highlights this more than a fighter with just one professional fight under his belt being given a shot at a world title; an opportunity fighters sacrifice years of their life harnessing their craft, climbing the ranks to earn.

Saturday night Vasyl Lomachenko steps up to challenge seasoned veteran Orlando Salido for his WBO featherweight strap in Texas, serving as an intriguing co-feature to the Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs Brian Vera rematch. When the opening bell sounds Saturday night at the Alamodome, Salido (40-12-2, 28 KO’s) will be stepping out to undergo the 359th round of his professional career, Lomachenko, his fifth.

The 26-year old Ukranian bids to make pugilism history by becoming a world champion in just his second pro ring appearance. Lomachenko had an illustrious amateur career, spanning over 397 fights with unbelievably just one defeat – which he went on to avenge twice. Before turning professional last year, Lomachenko picked up two world amateur championships, along with two back-to-back Olympic gold medals cementing himself as one of the greatest amateur boxers of all time. The southpaw’s road to Olympic gold in the 2012 London games included a decisive victory over Puerto Rican prodigy Felix Verdajo, also tipped for super stardom.

Faced with what appeared to be a durable opponent in Jose Ramirez for his pro début back in October, the amateur virtuoso impressed with hand-speed, combinations and tremendous foot-work throughout. In the fourth round Ramirez, who has never been stopped, was left squirming on the canvas from a devastating body shot. His agony plain to see. Lomachenko had emerged into the pro ranks in style.

A volume punching lefty with pinpoint precision, Lomanchko controls range very well often keeping both his head and waist mobile. His poise in the ring is as blindingly obvious as the yellow and blue colours he proudly wears on his trunks, a tribute to his native Ukraine. Lomachenko is as awkward a fighter as they come, and enters the ring Saturday night a 1/6 betting favourite.

Orlando Salido is a fighters’ fighter. A proven, battle tested, throwback Mexican warrior willing to go to that place other fighters aren’t to ensure victory. Withholding a modest record, Salido may never be inducted into the hall of fame, but will always be respected throughout the fight fraternity for his string of exhilarating displays of guts and brutality.

The three time world champion will walk to the ring as “el campeón del mundo” but in reality is viewed by many ring observers as a mere pawn in the progression of his counterparts budding career. A stepping stone. Salido will no doubt relish his role as underdog and gain motivation from being wrote off. The rugged champion has been nothing but gracious in the build up to Saturday’s affair, despite the sheer nerve of this unproven novice, calling him out after just one fight.

In a stark contrast to his opponent, “Siri” turned professional at the tender age of just 15, and now at 33 has officially been a pro for more than half his life. An astonishing statistic. Salido has fought a lot of formidable opponents and been involved in some gruelling fights. While still considered a world class fighter it’s very possible his best days are behind him. Off the back of a defeat to Yuriorkis Gamboa, Salido won the WBO strap against the odds in 2011 against the hard hitting, undefeated Juan Manuel Lopez. In a punishing fight, the Mexican came out victorious stopping Lopez in which was vastly considered Salido’s break out fight. Knock-down, drag out wars followed with Weng Haya and Lopez again, before being convincingly beaten up by the talented Mikey Garcia, tasting the canvas three times. Despite a sound performance in his last fight against Orlando Cruz picking up a vacant belt, Salido at the wrong side of 30 has plenty miles on the clock and has undoubtedly suffered a considerable amount of wear and tear.

Salido’s only chance is to make it a rough night for Lomachenko on the inside, perhaps even fighting dirty. Taking the polished prospect out of his comfort zone and imposing his will upon him at every opportunity. It remains to be seen how the Ukrainian challenger will hold up down the stretch of the fight, as a career of 4 round bouts may hinder him against the vastly experienced champion. Winning a first title is often about picking a belt holder most vulnerable that is available to you within a promotional roster. That seems to be the case with this fight. Lomachenko, the younger, fresher, well schooled fighter is likely to have success early on, utilizing the skills he spent years mastering. I expect him to outclass the Mexican from beginning to end, with Salido rallying in spurts, warming the hearts of his loyal supporters but ultimately falling short after 12 rounds.

Saturday night I envision history being made and a new featherweight champion crowned.

Behind The Gloves Staff Predictions:

Dominic Rowan: “I’m going for Lomachenko to stop Salido around round six.”

David Lopez: “Fascinating fight. I will go with Lomachenko by unanimous decision.”

Mark Ortega: “I think Lomachenko will overcome Salido’s edge in experience. If this were the Salido of a few years ago, I think he’d have a good shot but he’s rather long in the tooth these days. Lomachenko should be able to get a late rounds stoppage and become a title holder in just his second pro fight.”

Martin Perry: “I don’t think this fight would have been made if Lomachenko wasn’t ready. I think he takes advantage of a past prime Salido coming forward in straight lines, boxes coming in and out of range. His movement will be key, but will have some sticky moments when Salido’s brute lands success in patches. All in all, Lomachenko wins a fairly close UD.”

Sean Ryder: “Lomachenko wins on points UD 118-110 / 119-109 / 119-110.”

David McIntosh: “This is a hard one to call. There is no reason why Salido won’t be confident in winning this weekend, he’s the world champion and has shared a ring with a very high calibre of opposition. One thing that Salido may get wrong though, is not taking Lomachenko seriously enough. Ramirez went looking for Lomachenko too early, but credit has to be given, Lomachenko handled him brilliant and coped with the Mexican’s pressure early on. Although Lomachenko’s debut was the perfect start to his career, I think the pressure from Ramirez had flashes of success slightly. This is what Salido has to do, he has to pressure Lomachenko as he can’t give someone with his skill and footwork centre of the ring. Even with all this said, I do think Lomachenko will win a close points decision and make history this Saturday night.”

Alex Aviles: “Lomachenko should come away with the victory by unanimous decision, but not before “Siri” makes him earn it. Salido has plenty success against southpaws and will use his relentless approach in the ring to make Loma . I’m sure he realizes he’s going up against someone in only his second professional fight so that may play a role in his aggressiveness. But at the end of the day, the Ukrainian is very technically sound and should be able to adapt to whatever Salido brings to the table. While he looked impressive against Jose Ramirez this past October, Saturday night will be the first of many tests. Vasyl Lomachenko by UD.”

Allan Mcgoldrick: “Lomachenko mid rounds. Carrying huge confidence and momentum right now.”

Results

Lomachenko 8

Salido 0

The fight will air live on HBO in the US, and BoxNation in the United Kingdom.

-Bradley Pearson / @_bradleypearson

-Contributor to www.BehindTheGloves.com