Lomachenko vs Russell Jr., Guerrero vs Kamegai Post Fight

Going into the main-event of the June 21st broadcast of Showtime Boxing, one would be hard-pressed to find a casual or even some hardcore fans who had much interest in the welterweight match-up between Robert Guerrero (32-2-1, 18 knockouts) and Yoshihiro Kamegai (24-2-1, 21 knockouts). After all, Robert Guerrero’s last in-ring appearance came 13-months ago in a one-sided loss to Mayweather, and aside from a handful of fights in California most of Kamegai’s career has been spent in home country. Fans didn’t expect much, and those that did predicted a one-sided victory by Guerrero. Instead, fans were treated to a brawl that has already claimed a spot among early Fight of the Year lists.

In the co-main event of the June 21st edition of Showtime Boxing, slowly rising prospect, Gary Russel Jr. took on Olympic standout, Vasyl Lomachenko in a Featherweight bout for the vacant WBO title. The match-up was significant for several reasons, but it was the difference in styles that had fans picking this as the most interesting fight of the night. After all, Lomachenko is coming off a loss to veteran fighter Orlando Salido, and Russell Jr. has often been criticized for the level of opposition he’s faced up to this point of his career. While Lomachenko was chasing history, Russell was determined to prove that he is indeed the next great American talent.

At the sound of the opening bell, it was immediately clear that Lomachenko is the toughest match-up of Russel’s career. Lomachenko’s slick foot and head movement was frustrating Russell early, and Lomachenko appeared to be landing the more effective shots throughout.

This was a pattern that continued throughout the fight and ultimately became the narrative of the bout.

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