By Victor Salazar
New York - Two weeks ago at the StubHub Center in Carson, Orlando Salido once again competed in a 'Fight of The Year' contender - this time with WBC super featherweight king Francisco Vargas.
The fight was scored as a majority draw over twelve rounds of non-stop action, but Siri felt strongly that he won the contest. At ringside that night was Vasyl Lomachenko (6-1, 4KOs). With Lomachenko hungry for world titles, it seemed unlikely that a rematch would happen since Salido did not have a belt.
Fast forward a week later in Manhattan, Salido was in the crowd and watched Lomachenko destroy Roman ‘Rocky’ Martinez, knocking him out in the fifth round to capture the WBO super featherweight title.
After that brutal knockout of Martinez, it was not surprising that Salido told the media ringside - “I want Lomachenko next.”
Salido is the only fighter to beat Lomachenko in the pro ranks, winning a tight split decision in a very controversial fight back in 2014. Although he thinks Lomachenko has improved, he also feels the move to 130-pounds will help him as well.
“He has got better,” Salido said to BoxingScene.com. “When he fought me, he wasn’t quite prepared but at that time I was struggling to make 126 pounds. So I think the move up for me helped me as well. We are both going to be at our best.”
Lomachenko displayed excellent footwork and a nastiness in his punches against Martinez, who beat Salido the first time around and they went to a draw in their rematch. Salido still feels he’s got what it takes to beat Lomachenko.
“I think I have his number,” Salido said. “He’s got movement. He’s skilled and fast. I already seen what he has. I don’t think he’s going to get better. “I know he’s a fast guy but believe me I know how to fight him.”
Salido thinks that Lomachenko has made excuses in their first go around in regards to Salido coming in over weight and that being the ultimate factor in his defeat.
“He used the weight as an excuse. I’m a slower fighter and I was always ahead in the fight.”
