Tim Bradley on Lomachenko: Has the Boxing Star Reached the End of His Career?
Boxing commentator Tim Bradley suggests that Vasily Lomachenko’s career might be over following his decision not to fight Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis. Lomachenko, a former three-division world champion, has always been known for taking on tough opponents, but at 36, he seems to have lost his passion for the sport.
Lomachenko’s Decision: A Turning Point?
Bradley believes that Lomachenko’s reluctance to face Tank Davis stems from more than just fear of losing. Lomachenko likely understands that Davis is looking to use his name to boost his own fame, and given Lomachenko’s age and past controversial decisions, he may doubt his chances of a fair outcome.
The Weight of Controversial Losses
Lomachenko has been involved in three contentious decisions against Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, and Orlando Salido. All these fights took place in the U.S., and Lomachenko might feel that the judges would favor the younger, more marketable Davis, even if he performed well.
Bradley’s Perspective on the Ducking Allegation
“If you want to call this a duck, it’s a duck. There’s no doubt about it, but I think it’s something deeper because Loma is the type of guy that doesn’t duck any smoke,” said Bradley. He speculates that Lomachenko, aware of the slim chances of a fair decision, might have opted to avoid the fight altogether.
Lomachenko vs. Shakur Stevenson: Another Missed Opportunity
Bradley also points out that Lomachenko previously turned down a fight with Shakur Stevenson. Stevenson, like Davis, is a rising star who could benefit greatly from a win over Lomachenko. Bradley suggests that Lomachenko might have seen how Stevenson’s fight against Edwin De Los Santos went and decided against facing him.
The Psychological Toll on Lomachenko
Bradley believes that Lomachenko is aware of his capabilities and limitations. “Loma and his team don’t want him to go out on his shield, get knocked out, or get embarrassed,” he said. The former champion likely wants to avoid a scenario where he’s used merely as a stepping stone for younger fighters.
Lomachenko’s Controversial Loss to Haney
Lomachenko’s loss to Devin Haney was particularly bitter. Many believed that Lomachenko had done enough to win, but the judges awarded the victory to Haney. This decision reportedly left Lomachenko disillusioned with the sport, considering retirement before his father persuaded him to continue fighting.
The Impact of Controversial Decisions on Lomachenko’s Career
Bradley argues that the controversial decisions have taken a significant toll on Lomachenko’s psyche. The repeated disappointments might have led him to question the integrity of the sport and his future in it.
The Business Side of Boxing
Lomachenko may have realized that in the world of boxing, being a big name sometimes means being used to elevate others. Davis, with his star on the rise, would benefit immensely from a fight with Lomachenko, potentially at the expense of the latter’s legacy.
Bradley’s Final Verdict
“I think this is it for Loma. I don’t think Loma returns,” said Bradley. He respects Lomachenko’s career and acknowledges his bravery in taking on tough opponents like Lopez, Linares, and Haney. However, the accumulation of close, controversial losses might have finally driven Lomachenko to step away from the ring.
