How can Loma be #1 P4P and ATG if he already lost?

[Motofan]

He's in the p4p discussion. No denying that. As to the loss, as someone else already mentioned Hopkins lost early. Marquez lost early. They both ended up being amazing fighters. MANY greats lost within their first 3-5 fights. The fact that Loma was willing to take on a guy like Salido in his 2nd fight is awesome even if he lost. Years of padding up a resume against cans is a tired formula. Loma is daring to be great. If you fight enough tough fights you eventually lose.

[Slicc]

ffs...lol..

two vacant WBO World title shots back to back? At least Haymon's GRJ had some winning rounds, again, GRJ fighting the bigger guy who was fighting at Lightweight since 2011!

It doesn't matter if they were vacant, or WBO titles. The WBO belt is a major world title, and Loma won one in his 3rd pro bout. By the time Russel fought Loma, the former was 24-0 with 13 KOs, in their division. Loma was 1-1. One was already acclimated to the division, and the other was coming off of nearly getting castrated by an overweight cheater. Plus, a 2.5in height, and 1.5in reach difference isn't much, especially against a boxer who fights on the inside. Russel Jr's shorter arms actually gave him an advantage in close range. You wanna see a big size difference? Watch Easter Jr vs Shafikov.

With Loma having already lost they were in the perfect spot to risk a bid and have Loma fight for another WBO shot.

And he won, against an undefeated, talented, and much more experienced future world champ, coming off a loss. Give the man his credit.