Two-division world champion and pound for pound superstar Vasyl "Hi-Tech" Lomachenko (8-1, 6 KOs), of Ukraine returns to the ring Saturday, August 5, at Microsoft Theater, located at LA Live Lomachenko will be defending his WBO junior lightweight world title against two-time world title challenger and Top-10 contender Miguel "Escorpión" Marriaga (25-2, 21 KOs) of Colombia. Lomachenko has been preparing in Oxnard, California. Here is what he had to say about his preparation.
"It's so exciting to be fighting on ESPN. So many more people are going to learn a lot about me and what I am capable of doing in the ring on Saturday night." "When I face Marriaga on Saturday, I will need to find the right keys to unlock his defensive door and do what I do best in the ring." "Marriaga is a strong fighter. He has heart. I have prepared hard to face him," "I need to look again at Marriaga's full fight video against Oscar Valdez to get the best battle plan in my mind to fight him."
"People ask me about Orlando Salido. My answer is that I fight for Top Rank and will take on who they schedule for me. But I would like to welcome Salido to Lomachenko University in the ring some day.. "
"While growing up, my dream and my goal was to win an Olympic gold medal. I did that and both times they were the proudest moments in my amateur career." "Now my professional goal is to be recognized as pound for pound, the world's best fighter. To do this I must defeat Marriaga and then to be recognized as the pound for pound best I must fight champions and unify world titles."
"I like living and training in Oxnard. It reminds me of the small town I grew up in Ukraine"