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According to ESPN's Dan Rafael, Vasyl Lomachenko has been confirmed for a December 9th fight at Madison Square Garden in a bout that will be televised live on ESPN. Top Rank promoter Bob Arum says he already has a deal in place for the opponent, and that opponent is expected to be none other than Guillermo Rigondeaux.
Lomachenko's next fight supposed to be Dec. 9 at MSG Theater on ESPN. Arum said he has deal for opponent. I'm told it's Rigondeaux. #boxing
— Dan Rafael (@danrafaelespn) August 20, 2017
If true, I'm one happy boxing fan. I've long described this match-up as a boxing purist's wet dream as both Lomachenko and Rigondeaux are two of the most technically proficient boxer's in the sports long history — something to be expected from two, two-time Olympic Gold Medalists.
Rigondeaux's Twitter account has been relentlessly trolling Lomachenko and his manager Egis Klimas for the past several months, some of which has been pretty-damn-funny, and it may have now payed off by getting him the big fight he's been seeking.
Hey @KlimasBoxing .... how are you doing buddy?
— Guillermo Rigondeaux (@RigoElChacal305) August 16, 2017
I am awesome Klimas thank for asking. Anything new with you guys?
— Guillermo Rigondeaux (@RigoElChacal305) August 16, 2017
Me? Here. Same same... hoping to find a real Champ not afraid to face me.
— Guillermo Rigondeaux (@RigoElChacal305) August 16, 2017
The working theory here is be that this fight would take place at 130lbs, something Rigondeaux has openly agreed to. But that's two divisions north of where Rigondeaux normally campaigns, and for some the weight difference is perceived as being just too much for Rigodeaux to cope with. That may well prove to be true, but personally, as a fan, I'm more than willing to look past that just to see these two match wits against one another. It's sort of like boxing's version of Bobby Fischer vs. Deep Blue.
And what better way to end a tremendous year of boxing?!