Lomachenko Feels "No Pressure" in Russell Jr. Clash

Jun 20, 2014 • 4:43 AM ET

Vasyl Lomachenko (1-1, 1KO) hopes to seize his chance to win a world title in only his third professional fight against Gary Russell (24-0, 14KOs) at the StubHub Center in Carson City, California on Saturday.

Lomachenko, a double Olympic and triple world amateur champion, failed in his bid to make history in his second paid bout in March when he dropped a split decision to Orlando Salido.

But after Salido was stripped of his WBO featherweight title for failing to make the weight, the Ukrainian has been handed a second chance against Russell.

Lomachenko said: "I don't feel like there is any pressure on me because I have already lost a fight. Some people fight for five years and never have a single chance to get a title fight. But when I thought I had the chance I worked hard for it, and I think I earned it. I'm confident I am going to prove it by winning the fight."

"I want to thank everyone in my training camp and everyone who helped prepare me for the fight and my friends and family who are in Ukraine supporting me. I think it will be a very good fight on Saturday and I am looking forward to proving that I can win the featherweight title.''

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Lomachenko Feels "No Pressure" in Russell Jr. Clash

ByBoxingScene Staff

Jun 20, 2014 • 4:43 AM ET

Lomachenko, a double Olympic and triple world amateur champion, failed in his bid to make history in his second paid bout in March when he dropped a split decision to Orlando Salido.

But after Salido was stripped of his WBO featherweight title for failing to make the weight, the Ukrainian has been handed a second chance against Russell.