Well, that's it then.
Vasiliy Lomachenko dropped a lengthy Instagram video yesterday announcing his retirement, and honestly? Part of me saw this coming after he turned down that Gervonta Davis fight. When a guy with his resume starts saying no to big paydays, you know something's shifted. The Ukrainian wizard is hanging up the gloves after one of the most ridiculous careers boxing has ever seen - 396 amateur wins with just ONE loss (which he avenged, because of course he did), plus a professional run that redefined what we thought was possible in a boxing ring.
I've been covering this sport for twelve years now, and I've never seen anything quite like what Loma brought to the table. That footwork looked like he was dancing on ice while his opponents were stuck in quicksand.
From Olympic Gold to Professional Chaos
Loma turned pro in 2013 with the audacity to demand a world title shot on his debut. The sanctioning bodies basically laughed and said "get in line, kid" - which in hindsight feels pretty stupid. He had to settle for demolishing Jose Luis Ramirez in four rounds before getting his shot at Orlando Salido for the WBO featherweight strap.
And then something beautiful happened. Salido - a part-time Uber driver, I kid you not - proceeded to rough up the Olympic champion with every dirty trick in the book. Low blows, holding, leaning... it was like watching your drunk uncle try to wrestle a ballet dancer. Somehow it worked, and Salido took a decision that had half the boxing world screaming robbery.
Poor Loma looked genuinely confused walking back to his corner that night.
The Bounce-Back Kid
But here's the thing about elite athletes - they don't stay down. Three fights later, Loma was a world champion. Gary Russell Jr., who'd been talking a big game, got schooled so badly I felt embarrassed for him. That started a 13-fight winning streak that lasted five years and saw him collect belts at 126, 130, and 135 pounds like he was playing Pokemon.
The man was fighting guys who looked like they could bench press him, but it didn't matter. Size means nothing when you can make someone miss by six inches while landing three-punch combinations that looked choreographed.
When Father Time Comes Knocking
Teofimo Lopez changed everything in 2020. I remember texting my editor during that fight: "This kid might actually do it." Lopez was young, hungry, and just big enough to make Loma's life miserable. The upset shook the entire lightweight division.
Three years later, Devin Haney pulled off another controversial decision that had me throwing things at my TV. (My wife still hasn't forgiven me for that remote.) The judges gave it to Haney, but anyone with functioning eyeballs could see Loma had outboxed him for most of those twelve rounds.
The Final Act
Loma's last hurrah came against George Kambosos in Australia - eleven rounds of vintage Lomachenko before the stoppage. He won back the IBF belt, then promptly vacated it like he was cleaning out his closet. That should've been our first clue that his heart wasn't in it anymore.
When the Davis fight talks started heating up and Loma just... walked away? That's when I knew. You don't turn down that kind of money unless you're already mentally checked out.
The sport just lost one of its true artists. Sure, there will be other great fighters, but we'll never see another Lomachenko. The man turned boxing into ballet, and now the show's over.
Thanks for the memories, Hi-Tech. The matrix won't be the same without you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a beginner boxer focus on?
As a novice, you should concentrate on learning the correct form and technique. Mastering basic punches is one way to get started. Another is to establish a good defense, learn footwork, or improve your conditioning. Prioritize technique over power and get guidance from a coach who knows what they are doing.
What equipment is required to begin boxing?
For safety and to ensure effective training, you need the right equipment. Boxing gloves are essential, as well as hand wraps for protecting your wrists and fingers, a protective mouthguard and a headgear when sparring. In addition, athletic clothing and boxing boots are recommended for greater support and better movement.
What is professional and amateur boxing?
Amateur Boxing tends more to focus on the sports aspect. This means that it is less concerned with knockouts and more about technique, skills, and points. It is usually shorter and requires headgear. Professional boxing involves a full-time job with longer bouts, no protective headgear, a focus on power and knockouts and no headgear.
Boxing is a great way to keep fit.
Yes, boxing can improve your fitness. This full-body workout is intense and improves cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, endurance coordination and agility. It's also an excellent way to relieve stress. It will boost your confidence, as well as discipline.
Statistics
- Surveys reveal that close to 40% of new boxers join the sport for self-defense purposes rather than for competition or fitness.
- Approximately 50% of beginner boxers drop out within the first six months, highlighting the importance of sustaining motivation and setting realistic goals.
- Research indicates that nearly 70% of punches thrown by boxers during a match are jabs.
- Despite the stereotype that boxing is a young person's sport, approximately 20% of all beginners are over the age of 40.
- Studies show that proper hand wrapping can reduce the chance of hand and wrist injuries by as much as 40%.
- Beginner boxers tend to make the mistake of holding their breath in 70% of cases during their initial training sessions.
- Boxing has one of the lowest rates of injury compared to other contact sports, with approximately 1.1 injuries per 1,000 minutes of athletics.
- Around 90% of boxers suffer a minor injury over the course of a year, with only 10-15% experiencing a moderate to severe injury.
- On average, beginners who undergo proper boxing training can expect to burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories per hour.
- Nearly 80% of boxing training injuries are related to incorrect technique, especially within the first three months of taking up the sport.
External Links
How To
How to Prepare mentally for Boxing Training
Successful boxing involves a strong mental game. Develop a training routine, which may include visualizations, mental rehearsals of technique, and the setting of goals for each session. Positive self talk and mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can help improve focus and manage stress. Remember that boxing is just as much about improving yourself and learning as it is about competing, so be sure to approach each session with an eager mind and a determined attitude.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/the-portman-road-undercard-thats-got-everyone-talking
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