Highlights from @vasyllomachenko's KO victory over @Romancito77. Watch #MartinezLomachenko today at 11:30AM on @HBO.https://t.co/2gL0bhq5xG
— HBOboxing (@HBOboxing) June 12, 2016
28-year-old Ukrainian Vasyl Lomachenko made boxing history last night, becoming a two-weight world champion in just his seventh professional fight.
The former two-time Olympic gold medallist destroyed teak-tough Puerto Rican Roman Martinez inside five rounds, displaying all the hallmarks of the pound-for-pound ability that most fans and scribes alike fancied him to bring to the paid ranks when he turned over from amateur. Surely none of them, however, could have expected him to bring it so rapidly.
Regarded by most as one of the greatest amateurs of all time, Lomachenko converted to the paid ranks in 2013, fighting for a world title in just his second professional contest. On that occasion, he dropped a split decision in a poorly-refereed, rough-and-tumble affair with Orlando Salido.
Three months later, Lomachenko proved his mettle as he ripped the WBO featherweight belt from then-undefeated Gary Russell Jr - who was himself touted as an elite-level fighter - with one of the most accomplished pugilistic displays in recent memory.
Last night's display at Madison Square Garden was as scintillating as it was devastating, and the Ukrainian's blink-and-you'll-miss-it KO of Martinez and subsequent celebration produced one of the year's most remarkable sports photographs, and one which will likely become iconic should Lomachenko's career follow the trajectory boxing now expects it to.
We'll just leave this here... #MartinezLomachenko pic.twitter.com/zvKHCfw5R1
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) June 12, 2016
Meanwhile, the boxing world reacted to his performance accordingly.
Lomachenko the complete package. Strong, fast, smart, sharp and now looking to hurt guys in pro manner.
— Boxing Monthly (@BoxingMonthlyED) June 12, 2016
Lomachenko must be the most technically gifted fighter in the world right now! #Speed #2WeightWorldChamp https://t.co/Tf4rgdGrwD
— Jamie Conlan (@JamieConlan11) June 12, 2016
Lomachenko made history tonight. Two time world champ with only 7 fights. #boxing #MartinezLomachenko
— Raging Babe (@RagingBabe) June 12, 2016
WOW! Incredible incredible incredible finish by Lomachenko.
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) June 12, 2016
