A world title after just 3 pro fights
Ukrainian Vasyl Lomachenko impressive in capturing vacant WBO featherweight belt
Two-time Olympic boxing gold medallist Vasyl Lomachenko won a world title in just his third pro fight following an impressive majority decision over American Gary Russell.
Lomachenko, of Ukraine, improved to 2-1 with one knockout in his pro career as he captured the vacant World Boxing Organisation featherweight world title with the victory over the previously unbeaten Russell.
By claiming the belt, Lomachenko matched the record of Thailand's Saensak Muangsurin in winning a world title in only his third bout as a professional.
I'm very, very happy, very excited to be a world champion
Lomachenko's ambitious bid to win a world title in his second pro bout ended with a split decision defeat to Orlando Salido in San Antonio, Texas, on March 1.
But while Lomachenko didn't take Salido's belt that night, Salido didn't keep it as he was stripped of the title for failing to make weight.
That opened the door for Lomachenko to have a second chance to claim the vacant crown against Russell. "I'm very, very happy, very excited to be a world champion," said Lomachenko, who ended a glittering amateur career with a record of 396-1 and two Olympic gold medals.
Lomachenko displayed an array of angles and punches, speed and solid defence in an impressive performance against a fighter considered by many to be a future US star.