By Alexey Sukachev

Vasyl Lomachenko, an international superstar of amateur boxing, thought by many to be one of the best masters who have ever laced up the gloves in the unpaid ranks, is considering a transition to the pro game right after the 2012 London Olympics.

“I’m thinking about turning pro after these Olympics are finished. I’m thinking of a U.S. debut”, said Lomachenko in his interview with the 2x2 Ukrainian TV Channel. “The real prizefighting is in the States. Its level, the best fighters – all of this can be found only in America. Frankly speaking, I see no professional boxing both in my native Ukraine and in Europe."

Lomachenko, 24-years-old, who is now competing at lightweight, jumped to stardom after his blistering performance and a gold medal at the featherweight limit in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He has also won the Val Barker Trophy in Beijing, being selected as the most outstanding fighter. Lomachenko added two gold medals in the world championships in 2009 and 2011, also becoming a European champion in 2008.

He will be a key figure for an extra strong Ukrainian national team, alongside 2011 world champions Olexander Usik (heavyweight), Taras Shelestyuk (welterweight) and Evgeny Khytrov (middleweight) as well as light welterweight Denis Berinchyk, who won a silver medal in Baku. Ukraine is considered as a big favorite to come out from London as the best boxing team.