Senchenko Identifies Main Issues Hindering Lomachenko
In an interview for the National League of Professional Boxing of Ukraine, Vyacheslav Senchenko shared his views on the future match between Vasyl Lomachenko (17-3, 11 KOs) and George Kambosos (21-2, 10 KOs) for the vacant IBF lightweight title (up to 61.2 kg).
- Let's delve a bit more into the Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. George Kambosos fight. I noticed that almost everyone is 100% sure of Vasiliy's victory.
It seems a bit odd to me. Kambosos operates well as the second fighter. He'll be boxing at home, possibly with the judges' loyalty. He's younger, has less "mileage," fewer injuries, and Lomachenko's psychological state is also questionable since he's contemplated retirement multiple times.
So, do you see this as a competitive fight, or is it a case of "different levels" in this game?
-I'd lean towards Lomachenko winning because there are indeed different levels in this game. I think Vasiliy's only problem is injuries. That's the main reason for his issues, as seen in the fight against Teofimo Lopez. But when he's injury-free, like against Devin Haney, he puts on truly great fights. That might have been one of his best.
-Do you think he has another problem, perhaps not performing to the fullest in some moments?
-Yes, his habit of not fully capitalizing in certain moments often harms him. It's like the amateur boxing in him takes over. Considering Lomachenko's confidence... Considering he categorically doesn't accept his losses... Doesn't agree with them, still convinced he didn't lose...
Interviewer: And about the fight with Haney?
Senchenko: At some point, he felt he was winning and subconsciously decided the victory would be handed to him. There were rounds he could have won more convincingly but he let the opponent off. He believes he won against Lopez and Haney and isn't prepared to accept that he needed to do more to win. He doesn't see that the problem might lie with him.
- So, this aspect is crucial?
- Yes, it's important not to repeat this situation with Kambosos. He shouldn't win just because he landed one more punch. He needs to make the right conclusions. If there's a chance to press the opponent, he should take it. If there's a chance to stop him, break him, or at least outclass him rather than just being slightly better episodically.
Professional boxing has different evaluation parameters, and sometimes what he does isn't enough, especially against "home" judging, as shown in the fight with Haney. To win a fight in the US against a financially promising American, you need to do more. I hope this doesn't play out in the fight with Kambosos. If there's an opportunity to knock out, he should knock out. If there's a chance to escalate attacks, he should do so.
These are the only two reasons that might prevent Lomachenko from defeating Kambosos. Regarding the fight with Lopez, he also underperformed in the first half, leading to his defeat. But he didn't acknowledge it, continuing to claim he won that fight. The situation repeated in the fight with Haney.
The fight between Lomachenko and Kambosos is set for May 12 in Australia.