‘The Matrix’ is back. Forget the long-awaited Keanu Reeves sequel, the physics-defying phenomenon we’re talking about here is lightweight superstar Vasiliy Lomachenko. The supreme Ukrainian returns to the ring this weekend against former IBF champion Richard Commey in another high-quality dust-up from the division that keeps on giving.
The undercard features big-hitting heavyweight Jared Anderson, fresh off his TKO victory over Vladimir Tereshkin on the Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder III pay-per-view. We will also witness the next chapter of the most famous dynasty in boxing, as Muhammad Ali’s grandson Nico Ali Walsh fights for the third time as a professional.
Here’s everything you need to know about Top Rank’s latest promotional offering.
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
When: Saturday 11th December, (2:00am Sunday UK time)
How To Watch: Sky Sports Main Event
Tale Of The Tape:
Lomachenko
Place Of Birth: Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Ukraine
Age: 33
Alias: The Matrix
Record: 15-2 (11 KOs)
Height: 5’7’’
Reach: 65.5’’
Stance: Southpaw
Last Fight: The Ukrainian was a man on a mission in his last outing. Coming off losing a unification fight to Teofimo Lopez, Lomachenko was keen to prove he still belonged in the upper echelons of the lightweight division. The two-time Olympic gold medalist faced Masayoshi Nakatani, dropping the Japanese fighter in the fifth round before stopping him in the ninth.
Commey
Place Of Birth: Accra, Ghana
Age: 34
Record: 33-3 (27 KOs)
Height: 5’8’’
Reach: 71’’
Stance: Orthodox
Last Fight: In a neat piece of symmetry, Richard Commey’s last fight also came after a loss to Teofimo Lopez. Commey came unstuck against ‘The Takeover’ in much more brutal fashion, losing by second-round TKO. But the Ghanaian enjoyed a successful ring return after that defeat, knocking out former WBA interim title challenger Jackson Marinez in six rounds.
What They Say:
Lomachenko
“It is always special when I fight at Madison Square Garden, where so many great moments in my career have taken place. Richard Commey is a former world champion, an opponent I will not underestimate. I expect the best version of Commey, and I will be prepared for whatever he brings on December 11.” [Press Conference]
Commey
“Maybe my style is meant for his style, you never know. I've been sparring southpaws, I've been sparring guys. At the end of the day it’s boxing. He’s got a style that many people don't like and it's a challenge. I'm willing to take that challenge. I'm coming with all my heart. Coming with everything that I’ve got, and I'll come in with God and the people behind me.” [The Sportsman]
Full Card:
Vasiliy Lomachenko vs Richard Commey
Jared Anderson vs. Oleksandr Teslenko
Keyshawn Davis vs Jose Zaragoza
Nico Ali Walsh vs Reyes Sanchez
Xander Zayas vs Alessio Mastronunzio
Pablo Valdes vs Julio Cesar Sanchez
Kelvin Davis vs Bryan Emmanuel Ramirez
John Bauza vs Michael Williams Jr
James Wilkins vs Juan Tapia
Joe Ward vs Britton Norwood
