Lomachenko knocks out Martinez in route to WBO Featherweight Title Win.
Vasyl Lomachenko, (5-1, 3KOs) considered by many to be the modern Picasso of boxing, made his awaited debut at super featherweight against WBO champion Rocky Martinez (29-2-3, 17 KOs). Martinez, a 3-time champion in the division was not given much of a chance by boxing aficionado heading into the fight being held during Puerto Rican festival weekend in New York. He entered the fight a 15-1 underdog.
The champ stated he would come out pressuring Lomachenko, but that was not the case in the first few rounds of the contest. Lomachenko was actually the one moving forward; peppering Martinez with just about anything he wanted to throw. Vasyl made excellent use of the ring and his speed proved to be difference early on in landing his shots.
Martinez began to execute his strategy of applying pressure in the 3rd round. He landed a couple of effective short left hooks, but nothing that kept Vasyl from displaying his offensive repertoire. It was the typical Lomachenko mastery that we have come to know of him. The pivoting and quick feet of Lomachenko kept Martinez from ever mounting an effective offensive attack.
The fight came to a climactic finish 1 minute and 9 seconds into round 5 when Lomachenko landed a right hook flush to the temple of Martinez that was set up by a left uppercut. With the knockout victory, Vasyl Lomachenko made history by capturing his 2nd world title in a separate weight class in only his 7th professional bout. He also improves his record to 6-1 with 4 KOs.
It has been rumored over the last week that Lomachenko would seek to avenge his lone pro loss against Orlando Salido if he won. When questioned about it during the post-fight interview, Lomachenko responded, "I'm ready to fight you anytime, lets do it.... I want to give my fans a rematch and a win against Salido". It will be intriguing to see what looms for the sensation from Ukraine in the 130-pound division; a division that has seen two new champions crowned in a span of just a little over a month.