Vasiliy Lomachenko put in a masterful display to comfortably beat Richard Commey on points in their lightweight clash in New York on Saturday night.
Lomachenko (16-2, 11 KOs) dropped Commey (30-4, 27 KOs) in the seventh round, but settled for a unanimous decision at Madison Square Garden to edge closer to another world title opportunity.
WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury entered the ring prior to the fight to lead the celebrations for Top Rank CEO, Bob Arum who turned 90-years-old on Wednesday, whilst unified heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk was present to support his good friend, Lomachenko.
After a measured opener, the pair entered into some furious exchanges in the second with Lomachenko, 33, fighting in the southpaw stance, creating awkward angles and timing Commey with rapid combinations, with a left hand stumbling the Ghanian to the ropes towards the end of the round.
The Ukrainian great established his rhythm and appeared in full control by the third, countering his foe at will who was doing his best to remain competitive.
Former IBF lightweight champion, Commey started the fourth round aggressively, but was struggling to break through Lomachenko’s high guard and nail the Ukrainian cleanly, who was landing successfully with accurate uppercuts and targeting to head and body.
Lomachenko’s imperious form continued, with his movement and superb fleet of foot troubling the 34-year-old, who faced severe adversity in the seventh round.
With Commey pinned to the ropes, a hard left hand dropped him to the canvas heavily. The pair had shown plenty of respect throughout the build-up and Lomachenko showed compassion to his rival by urging his corner to wave off the contest on more than one occasion, as he followed up with hurtful combinations.
Commey, who has only been stopped once against Teofimo Lopez who he dropped his IBF title to in 2019, displayed all his fighting heart and spirit, as he bravely traded leather despite the relentless onslaught.
Down goes Commey 😳
The Ringside Cam of @VasylLomachenko’s masterful work 👊#LomaCommey pic.twitter.com/hKFVaIory4
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) December 12, 2021
The ringside doctor assessed ‘RC’ at the end of the seventh and gave him the green light to continue, prompting an improved eight round with success to the body of Lomachenko and blocking some of the Ukrainian’s blows using his high guard, although he was not able to evade the bulk of the blows.
Commey’s work appeared somewhat desperate by the ninth, swinging wildly as he attempted to put a dent in Lomachenko, however the three-weight world champion was displaying his full arsenal of tricks, as he outworked his rival and landed far more punches, despite Commey’s brave effort.
.@VasylLomachenko with the gamesmanship early 👀#LomaCommey | LIVE on ESPN pic.twitter.com/pBBvDrCvHS
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) December 12, 2021
The Ghanian needed a knockout to win the fight by the final round, but it never seemed even remotely close and Lomachenko finished strongly connecting with multiple, hard body shots and straight lefts to the head, as he saw out the fight in full control.
Two scorecards of 119-108 and another at 117-111 reflected Lomachenko’s comprehensive display, in what was a statement victory and reminder to the division of his capabilities.
Lomachenko secured his second win on the bounce since defeat to Lopez last October, having stopped Masayoshi Nakatani in June.
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‘Loma’ is the number one ranked contender with both the WBC and WBO and could be in line for a title shot against George Kambosos Jr, who spectacularly dethroned Lopez last month.
“I need this chance and if god gives me this chance, I’ll take it,” Lomachenko told ESPN on fighting Kambosos Jr next.
When asked if he’d be willing to travel to Australia to face Kambosos Jr, he replied: “Of course. I will go anywhere I need to go to fight him.”
Anderson punishes Teslenko
American heavyweight hope, Jared Anderson maintained his perfect record with a second round knockout of Oleksandr Teslenko.
Anderson (11-0, 11 KOs), a former sparring partner of Fury, landed a powerful right hand, followed by a left in the second to crumple Teslenko (17-2, 13 KOs) to the canvas.
HE FROZE HIM 😵@TeamBigBabyy just took out Oleksandr Teslenko in devastating fashion. 🔥#LomaCommey | LIVE on ESPN pic.twitter.com/wEe6M5IPzb
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) December 12, 2021
The Canadian just about beat the count, but the referee waved off the contest.
Davis blows away Zaragoza
Undefeated super lightweight talent, Keyshawn Davis put in a superb showing to halt Jose Zaragoza in two rounds.
Davis (4-0, 3 KOs), who had three professional fights before winning a silver medal for the USA at the Tokyo Olympics, dumped Zaragoza (8-4-1, 2 KOs) to the canvas with a flurry of combinations in the second round.
A debut to remember 🌟@KeyshawnDavis8 DOMINATES Jose Zaragoza to a TKO win his TR debut.#LomaCommey | LIVE on ESPN pic.twitter.com/5Yc0jJDmqo
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) December 12, 2021
The Mexican rose bravely, but a wicked left hook to the body dropped him again and finished him this time.
Ali Walsh goes the distance
Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali went the distance for the first time in his career, securing a majority decision win over Reyes Sanchez (6-1, 2 KOs) in their four round contest.
And STILL undefeated 💪@NicoAliX74 boxes his way to a Majority Decision victory. 🏆#LomaCommey | LIVE on ESPN pic.twitter.com/YXPhhG7pUW
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) December 12, 2021
Ali Walsh (3-0, 2 KOs), fighting in the same venue his grandfather competed in eight times including the ‘Fight of the Century’ against Joe Frazier, with scores of 38-38, 40-36 and 39-37 to claim his third professional win.
Xayas, Davis victorious
Xander Zayas (12-0, 9 KOs) stopped Alessio Mastronunzio (9-2, 3 KOs) in a first round blitz, whilst Keyshawn Davis’ brother, Kelvin Davis (3-0, 2 KOs) halted Ryan Schwartzberg (1-4-1, 1 KO), with both men extending their undefeated streaks.