Orlando Salido vs. Vasyl Lomachenko Jan 25 in New York

[Spicoli]

it isnt just the fight against salido thats the issue, he has to sustain it then and stay at that level

unless he gives up the belt

Given the expectations and weight put on this kid it'll be very very difficult to go backwards and hit reset if things go sideways, as they often do in the ring on any given night. He obviously has pedigree but its not been plied in extreme fire. To me, this is far far more about Bob Arum than it is Lomanchenko and there just isn't a need. He's THAT quality build, dust a couple top contenders and expand the general fan base beyond hardcore fans. Fighting fights early doesnt mean they have to be 'stiffs'. Ffs let the kid fight to be seen and enjoy the fruits of his labor. Straight out of the pan into the fire and you do not get to 'learn backwards'.

He needs to think long term, Arum with the gold bricks will dump his ass in a minute if "shit happens" and then what base does he have for himself, career and profession.

[Ron Swanson]

What I suspect many people don't know is you regularly fight better fighters in the amateurs if you are a top amateur. The prep fights are against bums in comparison to the talent you fought as an amateur. The point of those prep fights is to get used to different gloves , no headgear, and to alter your style to suit the pros. It is by no means to get used to pro talent. If he's demonstrated behind the scenes he's comfortable with the differences from amateur to pro then there is no need to prepare him. So get it on, Salido is going to get sacrificed.

[Rantcatrat]

This guy is on the fast tracks ey. He's moving faster than Kazuto Ioka and Inoue.. That's pretty amazing.

But Arum better not get ahead of himself cuz Salido is always dangerous. I can't believe he'd risk a top prospect against somone like Salido.

It wouldnt be a surprise to see Lomachenko get wrecked. Salido is a hard ass veteran who has seen it all. This is one of the guys in boxing who came up the hard way and became a real fighter over time. Fighters like this are very dangerous.

Good post. Here's the thing, by fighting Salido so early, is he to be able to develop a fan base before he bites off more than he can chew? Think about it. Mikey Garcia only recently stepped up his level of competition to the Salido level.

We have to applaud him for taking the risk. I agree Salido is a tough veteran.