Vasiliy Lomachenko (14-2, 10 KOs) has commented on his loss to Teofimo Lopez Jr. (16-0, 12 KOs) this past Saturday in Las Vegas, and offered some insight into what the future holds.
The Ukrainian was bested for the first time since he failed to claim a world championship in only his second professional fight, dropping a decision to Orlando Salido on March 1, 2014 in a contest for the vacant WBO featherweight title.
Lomachenko remained quiet on the matter for days after the fight, but on Thursday he told 112 Ukraine: "It is always challenging to comment on something right after the fight. I would like to watch the fight first and then say something.
"Getting closer was quite a challenge: the size, the reach played a huge role.
"I would like to apologize to everyone, apologize to my team, and thank you for all the support."
He also admitted that a potential rematch against the Honduran-American is out of his hands.
"It depends on him," said Lomachenko of Lopez. "If he can give me a rematch, then, of course, I am ready."
It is a sentiment echoed by a member of Lopez's team this week, as the champion's manager David McWater explained that while Lopez could well remain at lightweight for a while, a rematch makes little sense to them.
“I can’t imagine a rematch,” McWater said. “Older guy never wins a rematch. If they fight again Teofimo would hurt him badly!”
“I don’t think Loma brings enough viewers to the table to pay both guys.”
Lomachenko's promoter, Egis Klimas, confirmed this week that he underwent shoulder surgery on Monday.
He said the injury was a combination of a pre-existing niggle and a further aggravation sustained in the second round against Lopez. It's the second time the 32-year-old has gone under the knife for his shoulder, with the first in May 2018.
"When he arrived in the States to prepare for the fight, he said in Ukraine he felt the sharp pain in his right shoulder," explained Klimas. "We took him right away to Dr. ElAttrache (who oversaw his operation back in 2018) to examine him."