#MayPac: Lomachenko KO's Rodriguez
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 03 May 2015
LAS VEGAS - World Boxing Organization (WBO) Featherweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko retained his golden strap with a knockout performance against challenger, Gamalier Rodriguez.
Lomachenko, a decorated former amateur standout who has captured the WBO title in his third fight as a professional, sent his challenger twice to the canvas, once in the 7th and another in the 9th.
A straight left to the belly by Lomachenko followed by a short right to the head, dropped Rodriguez midway in Round 7.
Rodriguez was down again in the 9th courtesy of a series of body and head assault from Lomachencko. Another short right to the head at the end of Lomachenko's attack sent his challenger to the blue canvas of the ring of the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Rodriguez tried to beat the count administered by Referee Robert Byrd but he was unable to stand up on time and the fight ended.
Time of the knockout was at the 50 second mark of the 9th round.
Lomachenko now 4-1 (2 KOs), stated after his victory that he wants to fight the other champs and notable names of his talent-laden division to be labeled as a top pound for pound fighter.
"I agree that I have to fight someone notable next. I don't agree with people who say that I am a top five pound-for-pound fighter because in order to get there, I have to beat other champions in order to earn that spot. "
Lomachenko already defeated one of the champions in Gary Russell Jr. who recently won the WBC belt.
The other champs of the 126 pound class are, IBF's Evgeny Gradovich and the undefeated Nicholas Walters of Jamaica is the WBA champ.
Photo: Lomachenko connects to the jaw of Rodriguez. Photo by Chris Farina / Top Rank.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rich Mazon .
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