By Yuri Tarantin (Allboxing.ru) and Alexey Sukachev
Last Friday, a purse bid was held to define a hosting party for an intriguing match-up between two former Olympians: local American standout Gary Russell Jr. (24-0, 14 KOs) and Ukrainian superstar Vasyl Lomachenko (1-1, 1 KO). Golden Boy, promoter of Mr. Russell, won the bid with a narrow amount, outbidding Top Rank by just $2,500. Which means the fight for a vacant WBO featherweight title (which was previously contested by Lomachenko and lost by him to Orlando Salido on a split decision) will most probably be held in Los Angeles, California on June 21.
Egis Klimas, manager of Lomachenko, was ensured the win of the purse bid isn’t equal to a win in the fight itself.
“Nothing really dangerous for Vasily here”, said Klimas to Allboxing.ru. “Who cares about the organizers, once fighters enter through the ropes and then collide in the center of the ring [we'll see what happens]. Of course, we shall look very carefully at the judges selected by the California State Athletic Commission. All other things don’t matter at all. We shall be prepared for a tough fight regardless."
