Tonight, boxing presents a technical purist’s dream match, as Vasyl Lomachenko faces Guillermo Rigondeaux live on ESPN. Bloody Elbow has live fight night coverage all night. Get a round by round recap of rounds 1-3 right here.
VASYL LOMACHENKO vs. GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX
Round 1: It would be wrong to call this a “tentative” start, but not surprisingly, there’s little in terms of significant shots landed this round. Both men are trying to get a feel for the other and neither really goes all in. Interestingly, Rigondeaux starts off moving forward, not reducing himself to being the counter-puncher. He manages a few shots, but this is a tough one to call, which I anticipate being a theme tonight. 10-9 Rigo
Round 2: Similar round here to start, though Rigondeaux is getting more defensively minded. He also starts to clinch more, with referee Steve Willis encouraging them to work out of the clinch. Lomachenko is looking to deal with that clinching by landing on the break, and he does an effective job of that mid-round, landing the most significant punch yet on that break. At the end of the round, Rigondeaux clearly holds the head and lands some shots – no warning from the ref. The clinching could be a big story as we move forward. 10-9 Loma
Round 3: The movement from these two is just insane, as they both manage to just barely get out of the way of virtually ever shot thrown. But Lomachenko is so far showing faster hand speed, putting together his shots more, including rapid-fire jabs that are getting in. Lomachenko appears to be getting more comfortable, throwing three quick uppercuts late in the round, and settling in to what looks like more of a Lomachenko fight. 10-9 Loma
29-8 Loma after 3