Boxing genius you can’t find in MMA.

When it comes to MMA purest most would venture to say that the sports of boxing, kickboxing, and grappling are all dead. They like to think that because MMA mixes them all together that each individual discipline isn’t as exciting or effective. MMA has seemed to be in a constant battle with boxing ever since the sport’s inception. While there is certainly some validity to the claim, it doesn’t mean that a boxer, kickboxer, or any other athlete who is a master of singular discipline couldn’t defeat a mixed martial artist. In fact they are more likely to offer some deep insight into how a particular discipline can be enhanced. One athlete who comes to mind is the brilliant Vasyl Lomachenko. Hailing from the Ukraine, Vasyl Lomachenko is an Olympic gold medalist and champion boxer in both the featherweight and junior lightweight divisions. He has befuddled opponents with his speed, combinations, and angles. Lomachenko is perhaps one of the most technically sound and exciting boxers to watch in the current landscape of the sport. His understanding of feints, footwork, guard breaking, and angles are all tools that would give even he most talented mixed martial artist difficulty. Lomachenko has had a considerable amount of experience in the realm of boxing as opposed to many mixed martial artist. Where some, if any, MMA fighters have short amateur careers before competing in a professional match. Lomachenko’s amateur boxing record sits at a lofty 396-1, avenging the one loss twice during that span of time. That’s a real number ladies and gentlemen. Lomachenko has an understanding of boxing that most professional MMA fighters will never be able to understand. You may still be thinking “what does it matter if he can box if he’s taken down?” To those individuals I’d like to say shut up and take a gander. In the below video Lee Wylie breaks down Vasyl Lomachenko’s impeccable boxing attack, most of which would translate beautifully to MMA. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAU4nPC2dGw What’s your opinion on Vasyl Lomachenko? Let us know by hitting up our comments below or head on over to our official Facebook and Twitter.

Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Twitter and Facebook to keep up with his antics.