Lopez reveals key strategy in win over Loma!
There is no big secret that heading into their October 17 unified lightweight clash that Teofimo “El Brooklyn” Lopez (16-0, 12KOs) was a significant underdog against Vasyl “Hi-Tech” Lomachenko (14-2, 10KOs). Many people, this writer included, questioned whether or not the talented Lopez would have the footspeed and foot-movement to keep up with Lomachenko. After the conclusion of their twelve round battle, it was clear that he did.
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What was his strategy heading into that fight? Speaking to Brian Custer on the Last Stand Podcast, Lopez revealed the strategy needed to become unified lightweight champion and what he saw in Lomachenko.
“I think what people didn’t see is that you have to dance with the man, in a sense. When you think about it you have to move with him. He moves one way, you have to move with him in that perspective and take a step back while you do it because he has short arms. So he has to be in range. That was the thing. If you notice after the fight, he even said so that it was hard for him to reach me and the reason why is because we made sure we stayed at bay. When you take someone out of that comfort zone, their whole game plan is very difficult and then they get frustrated and start headbutting you.”
Everyone who saw Lomachenko fight knows how great his footspeed and movement is. He has overwhelmed many of his past adversaries as they just were not able to pinpoint his location. Lopez, obviously a student of the game, studied the former unified lightweight champion well and was able to execute the strategy well enough to earn a clear victory over a man many did not think he could beat without a knockout.
By: Jerrell Fletcher
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