How Will Vasyl Lomachenko vs. Masayoshi Nakatani Affect the Lightweight Division?
Follow Us
via Getty
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 9: MANDATORY CREDIT Bill Tompkins/Getty Images Vasyl Lomachenko ( aqua blue and yellow trunks ) defeats Guillermo Rigondeaux ( purple and gold trunks ) by RTD in the 6th round. Madison Square Garden on December 9, 2017 in New York City. Lomachenko in victory. (Photo by Bill Tompkins/Getty Images)
Former lightweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko is all set for a stellar return to the ring in the coming months. The Ukrainian has recovered from his injury and is in training for his next fight. So what would happen if he faced Japanese boxer, Masayoshi Nakatani?
All rumors point towards Lomachenko taking on Nakatani for his return. Moreover, even his promoter Bob Arum confirmed that they are trying to make it happen. However, will this contest affect the exciting lightweight division?
via Getty
OXNARD, CA – APRIL 24: Vasyl Lomachenko works out during a media workout on April 24, 2018 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)
On paper, the former champion has no dearth of opponents. However, the reality is such that none of the big fights will happen. Therefore, he will have to fight relatively low-profile Nakatani in what may be a smart move for the Ukrainian.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Lomachenko has expressed his desire to reclaim his belts and Nakatani ranks in the top ten in three of the four major bodies. Therefore, if he can beat another ranked opponent, he could push himself into a mandatory position for one of the champions.
Given his success in the sport, Lomachenko still ranks in the top five in all the sanctioning bodies. However, none of the champions seem to want to make the fight happen. Therefore, his best chance of getting a title bout against the current champions is to become mandatory and guarantee a title fight.
READ: Can Ryan Garcia Defeat the Best at Lightweight?
Who could Vasyl Lomachenko face if he beats Masayoshi Nakatani?
Nakatani ranks highest in the WBO rankings, and Teofimo Lopez is the champion in the division. Moreover, we have seen that Lopez has honored his mandatory obligation by taking on George Kambosos Jr. And since he claimed he would not give ‘Loma’ a rematch, becoming mandatory seems like the Ukrainian’s best shot.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Also, the former champion has engaged in a fiery war of words with Devin Haney over the past few weeks. He wants the fight and is ready to make it happen. However, Ryan Garcia is the WBC mandatory and is yet to fight Haney.
Trending
Ryan Garcia’s Payout for Devin Haney Fight to Exceed ‘$50 Million’ After $2 Million Bet Pays Off Big
April 22, 2024 08:51 PM EDT
Ignoring Mother’s Warning After $50 Million Payout Could Cost Ryan Garcia Big Time
April 23, 2024 05:12 PM EDT
Ryan Garcia Blasts Boxing Fan for Spreading Devin Haney PPV Buys Rumors
April 24, 2024 11:24 PM EDT
Devin Haney’s Mom: Real Reason He Left Her at the Age of 14?
April 20, 2024 05:05 PM EDT
Mike Tyson’s Recent Training Clip Makes Fans Fear for Jake Paul: “You Can Still Say No”
April 23, 2024 12:43 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Boxing stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Thus, if the Lomachenko vs. Nakatani fight goes ahead, it would have a lot riding on it. If the Ukrainian wins, it will all but guarantee him another shot at the title. However, given how none of the top fighters are fighting each other, it looks unlikely that it will happen.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What do you think of Vasyl Lomachenko fighting Masayoshi Nakatani? What effect do you think it will have on the division?
READ: How Floyd Mayweather Is Helping Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. to Bury Boxing
Written by:
