Fight Carries Historical Significance
Saturday’s fight between Vasy Lomachenko and Guillermo Rigondeaux marksthefirst time inthe historyofthe sport that two 2-time Olympicgold medalists will compete against eachother onthe professional level.
Earlier today the International Boxing Hall of Fame announced that a fight with this much historical significance deserves recognition in Canastota.The gloves from each fighter will forever be enshrined.
“The Hall of Fame’s mission is to honor and preserve boxing history and this fight has historic implications as it is the first time two-time Olympic gold medalists have fought as professionals,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “To have two of the most decorated Olympic boxers of all time battle with the junior lightweight championship on the line promises to be a memorable night for the sport”
“We are thrilled that both fighters and their camps agreed to donate the gloves they will use against each other on December 9th. While the Hall’s collection of fight-worn artifacts continues to grow year after year, this is the first time that gloves will go right from the boxers’ fists to the hands of the Hall of Fame in the ring immediately after the bout ends.” said Brophy.
When each fighter was asked for their feelings on their gloves going to the IBHOF they said.
“My goal in this sport from the beginning was to make Boxing history,” said Lomachenko. “It is a very big honor to have a part of me – my boxing gloves – to be in the Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota. It is very exciting too to be the first to have his gloves taken from the boxing ring on December 9 to the Hall of Fame.”
“I’m truly humbled by the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s decision to enshrine my gloves from this historic fight against Vasily Lomachenko. It’s an incredible honor and one that wouldn’t be possible without the support of my family, Roc Nation and my fans worldwide,” said Rigondeaux. “I have devoted my life to the sport of boxing, so it’s a blessing to know that my gloves will be commemorated forever alongside those of other boxing greats.”
By: Chris Henderson
Follow Chris on Twitter @4CornersBoxin
Email:[email protected]
