By Elisinio Castillo
WBA super bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux (17-0, 11 KOs) is sitting back and waiting for an answer on whether of not WBO super featherweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko (8-1, 6 KOs) is willing to fight him.
If the right terms are put together, Rigondeaux is ready to make an eight pound jump to fight Lomachenko at 130-pounds.
Rigondeaux was in action two weeks ago in Las Vegas, when he stopped mandatory challenger Moises Flores in the first round. But there were controversy, as Rigondeaux's knockout punch came after the bell. Initially ruled as a first round knockout victory for Rigondeaux, the Nevada State Athletic Commission overturned the outcome to a no-decision.
In the last few days, the respective managers of the two boxers were trading words on BoxingScene.com.
Lomachenko's team demanded the full super featherweight limit of 130-pounds, Rigondeaux and his handlers agreed to the weight. Now it's up to their promoters to get the deal done.
"We have told Lomachenko and his manager Egis Klimas that we are ready to go up to 130 pounds," stated Rigondeaux's adviser Alex Bornotte to George Ebro. "Is that not what they asked for to do the fight? Well, we're indulging them. The ball is in their court. Let's see what they do. ''
"Rigo can climb to 126 or 130 to fight there without having to drop his 122-pound belt. Right now we are reviewing all of the possible alternatives, but the main objective is Lomachenko."
Lomachenko is scheduled to return to the ring on a date in August and he needs an opponent sooner than later. The fight will likely get televised on ESPN as part of their new agreement with Lomachenko's promoter Top Rank. There is no location or venue finalized.
The two boxers are regarded as the best amateur fighters of their era - and possibly of all-time. Each boxer won two Olympic gold medals.
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