Vasyl Lomachenko destroys Roman Martinez in NYC, captures 2nd title in 7th fight
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 12 Jun 2016
New York - Vasyl Lomachenko continued his rise in the professional ranks by capturing another world title in another division with a demolition job of erstwhile title holder - Puerto Rico's Roman Martinez (29-3-2, 17 KOs).
Lomachenko (6-1, 4 KOs) knocked out Martinez in the 5th round with a tremendous right hook and grabbed Martinez's WBO Junior Lightweight belt in the process. It was Lomachenko's 2nd world title in only his seventh professional bout.
The former Olympic gold medalist from the Ukraine was on point all night. His right hand was accurate since the opening round, he was able to hit a bewildered Martinez at will with his jabs and counters.
A left to the jaw by followed by that fatal right hook by Lomachenko flattened Martinez and Referee Danny Schiavone counted out the former champion while he was staring the bright lights of the Theatre at Madison Square Garden on his back.
"I need more fights to get better as a fighter. And I will keep getting better," Lomachenko said after his knockout victory.
"What I want is for all the best fighters to come together and find out who the best is. I want to line up all the fighters at 130 and find out who the best is," added the newly- crowned 130 pound king.
Lomachenko dedicated his win to his fellow Olympian and Olympic gold medalist - the late Muhammad Ali who was laid to rest yesterday in Louisville, Kentucky.
"I would like to dedicate my victory tonight to the best whoever laced the gloves Muhammad Ali."
VERDEJO HALTS MARTINEZ IN 5
In the co-main event of the night, Felix Verdejo dismantled Juan Jose Martinez (25-3, 17 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico in five rounds to remind the boxing world that he is one of the sports' hottest prospects.
Fighting in front of a large Puerto Rican audience in New York, the undefeated Lightweight wowed the crowd with his strong and accurate punching against a forward-moving Martinez whose face bore the effects of Verdejo's punches.
Verdejo's left hooks left a big mark on his foe's left cheeks early in the 2nd and by the 3rd round- Martinez was bloodied and cut because of the Puerto Rican's hard lefts.
In the early moments of the 5th, Verdejo hurt Martinez and almost knocked him down but the ropes saved the Mexican from the floor. Verdejo chased his stunned foe and he unloaded mercilessly against Martinez.
Seeing a fighter at risk, Referee Mike Ortega stopped the onslaught at the 2:40 mark of the 5th to the delight of the pro-Verdejo supporters.
Verdejo climbs to 22-0 and 15 knockouts and held on to his WBO Latino Championship strap.
SHIMING SUCCESFUL IN US DEBUT
Popular Chinese fighter Zou Shiming made good in his US debut with a dominating Unanimous Decision victory over Jozsef Ajtai of Hungary.
Shiming, now 8-1 (2 KOs), stalked and attempted to engage Ajtai (15-3, 10 KOs) from the opening bell but the Hungarian fighter was content in evading and running away from his foe.
The multi-awarded Chinese flyweight threw jabs to set up his right hook but was unable to catch his elusive foe with any meaningful shots. Ajtai was even cheered by his corner when he made Shiming miss with his punches.
Scores were 100 - 89 across the board in all the judges at ringside. Ajtai was deducted a point in the 6th because of excessive holding.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rich Mazon .
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Tapales bags WBC International Silver super bantamweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 28 Apr 2025Boston, NY and Minnesota One Win Away; Push Orlando, Detroit and LAL on Brink
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 28 Apr 2025Sasaki Guns for Japan's First World Welterweight Title, Honor as Asia's Best Asian Boxing Nation
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 28 Apr 2025Raga beats Bañares in SBA Philippine Open, pockets ₱400,000 cash prize
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 28 Apr 2025OK-C You Next Season, Memphis
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 27 Apr 2025Eubank Jr. Edges Benn in Thrilling Grudge Match for the Ages
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 27 Apr 2025Due to Illness, H2O Syve Withdraws from Tonight’s Bout
Sun, 27 Apr 2025Filipino FM Ivan Travis Cu runner-up in Budapest First Saturday Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 27 Apr 2025Home Teams Rule the Day
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 26 Apr 2025Marlon Tapales Makes Weight for WBC International Title Fight in Gensan
Sat, 26 Apr 2025WELTERWEIGHT ERIC TUDOR TAKES UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER KEVIN JOHSON IN MAIN EVENT OF ‘LA FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS’ FROM THUNDER STUDIOS AND LIVE ON DAZN
Sat, 26 Apr 2025Eubank vs Benn: Like Father Like Son
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 26 Apr 2025Eubank Jr. Misses Weight Ahead of Highly Anticipated Benn Clash
Sat, 26 Apr 2025Rafael Espinoza: “I’m Going To Steal The Show On May 4!”
Sat, 26 Apr 2025CO-PROMOTER OF TONIGHT'S ‘LA FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS’ SAYS FIRST EVENT IS ONLY THE BEGINNING
Sat, 26 Apr 2025