Lomachenko: Nakatani is the perfect challenge for me

Vasiliy Lomachenko is ready to reclaim his status as among the sport’s very best fighters.

Most in his position would have sought a more favorable style matchup, if not a softer touch altogether.

“What inspired me to take this fight is the fact that I just lost all of my titles,” Lomachenko told BoxingScene.com. “I have to start from scratch and wanted to face a top contender.

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“I didn’t want a (hand-picked) opponent. This guy gave Teofimo Lopez a very tough fight and I have prepared well for his challenge.”

The bout saw Nakatani rally from two knockdowns and a scorecard deficit in order to prevail, coming nearly 17 months after his strong showing versus Lopez.

“He is strong, very tall and very long arms,” notes Lomachenko. “He has experience at the top level, as he showed in a (competitive) fight with Lopez and the way he was able to beat Verdejo. This is the perfect challenge for me. I’ve always aimed to face the highest level of competition.”