Lomachenko: Salido Clash Was Tougher Than Russell Jr.

By Yuri Tarantin

The second time was the charm for 26-year-old Ukrainian Vasyl Lomachenko (2-1, 1KO), who last Saturday night defeated Gary Russell Jr. (24-1, 14KOs) with a twelve round majority decision to capture the vacant WBO featherweight title at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.  

Lomachenko tried to capture the WBO title on March 1, but lost a controversial twelve round split decision to Orlando Salido (41-12-2, 28 KOs). The Mexican veteran came in overweight and lost the title on scales and then came in as a welterweight on the night of the fight.

The two-time Olympic gold medal winner says the fight with Salido was a much tougher contest for him. Many at ringside were unhappy with the judge who scored his fight with Russell as a draw, but Lomachenko is choosing to take the high road.

"Yes, this fight easier than the fight with Salido. Throughout the fight [with Russell], I completely gave everything of myself. Regarding the scorecards, to discuss them and criticize them [for the 114-114 draw] - that's not my job," said Lomachenko.

Yuri Tarantin covers boxing for Allboxing.ru