Salido: Lomachenko's Title Shot Disrespects Everyone

By Rene Umanzor

WBO featherweight champion Orlando Salido (40-12-2, 28KOs) will be defending his world title against two-time Olympic gold medal winner Vasyl Lomachenko (1-0, 1KO) in the month of March.  The Mexican veteran is not happy with the fact that Lomachenko, having only one professional fight, is being pushed to a title shot. Salido feels there are many more fighters who are more deserving, based on their years of working up the rankings ladder.

"[Lomachenko] getting a shot is disrespectful not only to the champion but also for those who are [ranked and] waiting for their title shot. Along comes a boy and in two fights he is challenging for a world championship. It's a lack of respect for everyone. People think that he has the potential to be world champion, but those who know me know I'm a tough fighter and leave everything in the ring," Salido said.

"It is going to be a difficult fight, he has a good record as an amateur, he won a gold medal, but the professional ranks are something different and I will prove it. He is the favorite, but that does not bother me. I know what I have to do in the ring. I have the experience, I have fought great champions and I have everything necessary to win."

Rene Umanzor covers boxing in Mexico for The Record.