By Luke Furman
WBO super featherweight Vasyl Lomachenko (10-1, 8 KOs) has little to no interest in facing Orlando Salido (44-14-4, 31 KOs) in a rematch.
The fought back in 2014 with the vacant WBO featherweight belt at stake, in Lomachenko's second fight as a pro. Salido was overweight, used some dirty tactics in the bout, but ultimately walked away with a twelve round split decision win.
Over the years, Lomachenko has made attempts to get revenge by securing Salido for a rematch.
They were discussing the idea of a fall rematch a few months ago, but their negotiations fell apart over money.
Lomachenko's side has long claimed that Salido would price himself out.
Because they were unable to reach a deal, they went in separate directions to fight on the same day, December 9.
In New York City, Lomachenko dominated fellow two-time Olympic gold medal winner Guillermo Rigondeaux for a sixth round stoppage - while Orlando Salido was dropped three times and stopped by Miguel Roman in a vicious war which took place in Las Vegas.
After that defeat, the 37 year old Salido announced his retirement from boxing - but then changed his mind only four days later and promised to return to the ring in 2018.
At this point, Lomachenko doesn't see a reason to fight Salido for a second time - stating that the Mexican veteran has everything to gain if they fight.
"No [I'm not interested]. I'm tired of running around, asking him. I asked to do this only for the sake of those guys who continuously ask this question [about the rematch], because they are the ones who are most worried about this defeat. At this point, I don't even think about it. I am now at the place and the position where I would like to be... so right now, today, it will be more profitable for him than for me, so I'm not interested in it at this time," said Lomachenko to Ukrainian Sport.
Lomachenko had a big year with wins over Jason Sosa, Rigondeaux and Miguel Marriaga and hopes for bigger things in 2018.
"For me, the year went well, because I had, in principle, successful fights, and I won them all," Lomachenko said. "I'm ready to fight anyone, anytime, anywhere. Let's see if we can organize fights in this weight category, in which I am now, and if we can't then I will have to move up even higher [to lightweight]."
2023-10-20 06:08:58
