Watch Vasiliy Lomachenko vs Masayoshi Nakatani videos.
Vasiliy Lomachenko is back in prime form.
After a decision loss to Teofimo Lopez in December 2020, Lomachenko returned against Masayoshi Nakatani and he turned in another vintage performance. He showcased his trademark movement and footwork that drew him comparisons to The Matrix, but he also showed great offense from inside and the clinch to batter the Japanese contender.
Lomachenko came out far more aggressive this time around, opening up and hurting Nakatani on multiple occasions. He scored a knockdown in the 5th, and eventually got a finish in the 9th round, badly hurting Nakatani and forcing the referee to stop the fight at the 1:48 mark of the stanza.
Nakatani showed insane toughness, battling through all the shots even with a badly swollen eye, but Lomachenko’s skills shined tonight.
A possible rematch against Lopez could be on the horizon, although there’s also word that the Honduran-American could move up soon after his title defense in August.
Official decision: Vasiliy Lomachenko def. Masayoshi Nakatani by TKO, 1:48 9th round
Watch highlights from the contest below.
Lomachenko is cut early #LomaNakatani pic.twitter.com/TMa1fw1nv7
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) June 27, 2021
This was ruled a slip #LomaNakatani pic.twitter.com/5kC3gd2gY5
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) June 27, 2021
Down goes Nakatani
Lomachenko scores the first knockdown of the fight in Round 5. #LomaNakatani pic.twitter.com/l33JPXts4T
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) June 27, 2021
Snapped his head back #LomaNakatani pic.twitter.com/cxK1SabCkq
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) June 27, 2021
VICIOUS TKO @VasylLomachenko is back! #LomaNakatani pic.twitter.com/asVYl0Sl2Z
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) June 27, 2021