Pound for pound update January 2020: a new name at the top

2. Vasyl Lomachenko

Record: 14-1, 10 KOs

Previous Ranking: 1

The previous No. 1, Lomachenko did not necessarily drop from the top spot; his spot on this list is more so due to what the new No. 1 did to take the top spot.

Boasting an amateur record of 396-1, with two Olympic gold medals, Lomachenko is arguably the greatest amateur boxer of all time, and the start to his professional career was equally as impressive.

He challenged for a world title in his second fight, won a title in his third fight, and by the time his 12th fight ended, he had won titles in three weight classes, truly remarkable stuff.

His resume is stellar with wins over Gary Russel Jr., Nicholas Walters, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Jorge Linares and Jose Pedraza, among others.

While Loma has not been as dominate at 135 pounds (Jorge Linares dropped him, Luke Campbell landed more than we are accustomed to seeing a Lomachenko opponent land), he is still defeating the top guys in the division relatively easily, and is unquestionably the best lightweight in the world.

His run below lightweight set unrealistic standard for him, and now that he isn’t untouchable some are questioning if he is nearing the end of his prime.

It appears that the weight is simply not for him. He still has his trademark footwork and incredible combinations; his opponents are simply physically bigger and use that to their advantage.

Lomachenko’s next fight will likely be against newly crowned champion Teofimo Lopez in April, and let’s just say Loma will have his hands full. He deserves to be a sizable favorite, and while there will not be a prediction made in this article, let’s just say Loma will have to be on his A game. One punch from Teo could very well end the fight.

Win or lose, hopefully Lomachenko drops back down in weight. That is where he belongs.