Lomachenko/Russell Purse bid scheduled for Friday

http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=dan-rafael&id=8589 Given that featherweight Vasyl Lomachenko is promoted by Top Rank and Gary Russell Jr. works with Golden Boy (although he is not under contract), it is no surprise that the sides have not engaged in a negotiation for the vacant title bout they have been ordered to meet in. With no deal in the works, the WBO has ordered a purse bid, which is scheduled to take place Friday at noon ET in Orlando, Fla., according to Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti. Orlando is the site of Top Rank’s UniMas-televised fight card Saturday night, and since the card includes a WBO regional title bout, organization officials as well as Top Rank personnel will be on hand. Lomachenko (1-1, 1 KO), the two-time Olympic gold medalist from Ukraine, and manager Egis Klimas both say they are eager for the fight with Russell. Whether Russell (24-0, 14 KOs), a 2008 U.S. Olympian, and adviser Al Haymon are interested in the bout remains to be seen. The title became vacant when Orlando Salido was stripped for not making weight for a March 1 defense against Lomachenko, who then lost a split decision to Salido, leaving the belt vacant. “There are not a lot of expectations from either side , so the purse bid was called and we’ll see how it will unfold there,” Moretti said. Will anything happen?

Comments (20)

SlySlickSmooth

Will Arum make Donaire-Loma?

12y ago

LarryX

This title will hold 0 credibility,neither deserve it period

12y ago

AKAcronym

We will witness history when these two enter the ring. In the heat of adversity, Russell's speed and punch volume will reach levels never before seen in the squared circle. Lomachenko will have so much pride on the line and be desperate to win after his sub-par performance against Salido. A record-breaking fight is on the horizon. And he'll break one of his hands in the process, again. I hope not, but I wouldn't be surprised.

12y ago

SNPER

12y ago

Basco

I love this fight, Hope it gets done!

12y ago

The_Gambler1981

I still say there is no way this fight happens, whichever side wins the other will walk, but hopefully it does come off it would be an interesting fight.

12y ago

PACnPBFsuck

Wonder if Don King will win the bid Probably default on it anyways Why would Don even want this bid, this fight is probably gonna be an undercard fight of something big.

12y ago

Loquesan

How would that be embarrassing? He would've lost to a champ who didn't even bother making weight in his second pro bout. He basically lost the fight because of a lack of experience. If he were to lose to Russell it'll be in a close fight against a talented young fighter, even if he hasn't been tested against legit contenders. You dudes need to make up your mind do you want fighters protected or do you want them taking risks. Something between these two extremes. I don't want to see overprotected hypejobs, but they all need to be protected a little, especially early in their careers. To have a record of 1-2 after 3 fights for a guy with Lomachenko's amateur pedigree would be unacceptable.

12y ago

Dinamita_03

How embarrassing will it be when Lomachenko goes 1-2? Lol Posted from Boxingscene.com App for Android How would that be embarrassing? He would've lost to a champ who didn't even bother making weight in his second pro bout. He basically lost the fight because of a lack of experience. If he were to lose to Russell it'll be in a close fight against a talented young fighter, even if he hasn't been tested against legit contenders. You dudes need to make up your mind do you want fighters protected or do you want them taking risks.

12y ago

_JSFD26_

How embarrassing will it be when Lomachenko goes 1-2? Lol Posted from Boxingscene.com App for Android

12y ago

_JSFD26_

Russell Jr will treat Lomachenko like the TBA y'all always make fun of. Posted from Boxingscene.com App for Android

12y ago

PeterNeversoft

Wonder if Don King will win the bid Probably default on it anyways

12y ago

big_james10

I think that, after the purse bid, Gary Russell Jr.'s father will refuse the fight, while in the same breath claim that Russell Jr. is the best featherweight in the world and is willing to fight anybody. I also doubt if GBP will bother to bid on the fight. I could see TR winning the purse bid and attempting to put the fight on the undercard of Chavez Jr./GGG.

12y ago

PainfromUkraine

Make it happen :boxing:

12y ago

Sugar_Adam_Ali

I cant believe a guy that is 1-1 is in line for a vacant belt... Funny thing is, that his 2 fights are better than any of Russell jr's opponents... I doubt this fight gets made.

12y ago

Ray

Looking forward to this fight if it happens.

12y ago

LA_2_Vegas

ehh I guess man the ONLY reason i can give Loma a shot here is because they are both am standouts, meaning neither were rooted with a 'pro style' per se. At least not in comparison to Salido, for example. Having said that, Russell must have learned something in those 20+ TBA pro fights. I just think he will know how to carry and wins the rounds to a UD

12y ago

sugarsmosley

Come on loma, is it for the belt??

12y ago

BigAlexSand

I'll be the first to say it, Russell Jr by KO....

12y ago

WilkinsOlajuwon

Russell will win, if anything he has ring pro ring experience. Loma does not and will get ate alive. In the first fight he didnt know when he could expend energy or let it go. he couldnt gauge what he had left or would have left in a 12 rdr and Gary has been having World champions stay away from him. This loma guy is getting a terrible disservice with this management. But hey, atleast russell will have a belt and make for some great matchups around that weight Loma........well we will see he still has time. But once Russell is a champion theres gonna be some very good matchups da fuq?.......

12y ago