Sunday Punch: Lomachenko starches ‘Rocky’

Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images

Watch Vasiliy Lomachenko’s most explosive KO of his career. Today is Father’s Day, so for this edition of Sunday Punch I figured I’d spotlight one of the best father-son combos in all of combat sports.
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Roman Martinez v Vasyl Lomachenko

Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images

Watch Vasiliy Lomachenko’s most explosive KO of his career.

Today is Father’s Day, so for this edition of Sunday Punch I figured I’d spotlight one of the best father-son combos in all of combat sports.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Vasiliy Lomachenko is trained by his father Anatoly, aka “Papachenko.” Through his guidance, the Ukrainian has become arguably the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, winning world titles in three weight classes in just 12 professional fights.

On June 11th, 2016 at New York’s MSG Theater, Lomachenko challenged Puerto Rico’s Roman “Rocky” Martinez for his WBO junior lightweight belt. This was Loma’s first appearance at 130 lbs after enjoying time as a featherweight champion. Unsurprisingly, Martinez was getting soundly outboxed, but Lomachenko showcased some serious power with his lethal and accurate right hook finish in the 5th round.

Not bad for your 7th pro fight, but keep in mind that he had a legendary amateur career that made him ready for elite competition right away.

Enjoy the full fight at the top of the page, with the KO coming in at roughly 15:50.

Martinez (30-4-3, 18 KOs) was KO’d by Yuriorkis Gamboa last July and is demonstrably past his prime. Lomachenko (14-1, 10 KOs) is in line to unify lightweight titles with IBF champion Teofimo Lopez (15-0, 12 KOs) in September. Lopez is also trained by his father, making this a highly anticipated clash on multiple fronts.

Happy Father’s Day, everyone!