"I'm 32, I've been very long in this sport so of course my body has tired a little bit," Lomachenko admits
Tuesday 22 September 2020 19:00, UK
Vasiliy Lomachenko has thrown down the gauntlet to Teofimo Lopez and demanded his young rival justifies his outspoken behaviour when they fight.
Lomachenko and Lopez will collide in a world lightweight unification clash in Las Vegas on October 17.
Brash New York-based Lopez is the undefeated IBF champion - he is nine years younger and his bold predictions have caught Lomachenko's attention.
WBA, WBC 'franchise' and WBO champion Lomachenko exclusively told Sky Sports about Lopez: "I understand just one thing. Whatever you say, you must prove it in the ring. That's it."
The Ukrainian previously told Top Rank, who promote both boxers: "In my country, if you insult somebody, you'd better be prepared for them to hurt you.
"If we were back in my country, he would learn pretty quickly that he can't run his mouth like that.
"Whatever I say, I believe in it. So what he's saying, for example, he actually believes. But if he doesn't follow it up with actions and fulfil those words, then he chose those words poorly to begin with.
"I'm definitely not going to feel sorry for him. If I get a chance to cause him pain, I'm going to do it."
Pound-for-pound supremo Lomachenko won two Olympic gold medals then became boxing's fastest-ever three-weight champion, achieving the feat in just 12 fights.
He has since wowed a UK audience by beating Luke Campbell in London.
Lomachenko insists the 14-month gap between fights has allowed injuries to heal, and will not be at a disadvantage against the fresher Lopez.
"Everything is good," he told Sky Sports about previous injuries. "I've had a one-year break without a fight. Now I'm healthy and happy.
"I'm 32, I've been very long in this sport so of course my body has tired a little bit. But I've had a break."
Victory for Lomachenko against Lopez would further elevate him towards greatness - his opponent's IBF belt is the only lightweight title that he hasn't yet owned.
"I am close to my goal," he said. "This is one step closer to my dream.
"Fans love the interesting fights with top fighters. Now we have a unification and we are the top fighters in this weight class.
"It was my goal when I started my pro career. It was always my dream. I did 126lbs, I tried 130lbs, now I try 135lbs and it is very close.
"I want to unify.
"I want to put my name in boxing history.
"I started very early - my second fight of my pro career was a world title fight.
"I want to do something special with this opportunity."
Sky Sports schedule
WBSS final - Sept 26, live on Sky Sports
Yuniel Dorticos vs Mairis Briedis
The Golden Contract - Sept 30 live on Sky Sports
Ohara Davies vs Tyrone McKenna
Buatsi vs Calic - Oct 4, live on Sky Sports
Joshua Buatsi vs Marko Calic
Chantelle Cameron vs Adriana Dos Santos Araujo
Alen Babic vs Niall Kennedy
Aqib Fiaz vs Kane Baker
Linus Udofia vs John Harding Jr
John Hedges
Ritson vs Vazquez - Oct 17, live on Sky Sports
Lewis Ritson vs Miguel Vazquez
Savannah Marshall vs Hannah Rankin
Joe Laws
Kash Farooq
Qais Ashfaq
Thomas Patrick Ward
Povetkin vs Whyte 2 - Nov 21, Sky Sports Box Office
Alexander Povetkin vs Dillian Whyte
