American promoter Bob Arum said that the experience of working with a former champion in three weight categories and a two-time Olympic champion Vasily Lomachenko encouraged him to collaborate more with boxers from Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. In addition to Lomachenko, Top Rank is currently working with unified light heavyweight champion Russian Artur Beterbiev.
“I think my experience with Lomachenko influenced here,” Arum said in an interview with BBC 5 Live Boxing. - I mean, it's hard to find a more accommodating professional fighter than Vasily Lomachenko. After that, when fighters from Eastern Europe knocked on my door, this door was open. This is all thanks to the experience we got with Lomachenko. Again, this is not because of my great foresight, because otherwise it would be difficult for them. It's because Lomachenko turned out to be such a great guy to promote."
Top Rank signed Lomachenko to a contract in 2013 right after he won his second Olympic gold medal. In his last fight, the 34-year-old Ukrainian won on points over Jamaine Ortiz.
Despite Arum's words, the list of Top Rank fighters from Eastern Europe has noticeably thinned in recent years. But if under Arum's definition of "Eastern European fighters" we add representatives of all the former countries of the Soviet Union, such as Kazakhstan, then we can also add a middleweight champion here. Zhanibek Alimkhanuly. Top Rank also worked with the former world light heavyweight champion for many years. Alexander Gvozdyk.
According to so far unofficial information, in the near future Lomachenko should sign a contract for a duel with the undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney in May on ESPN.
