ZCZC
BSP-05
BOX-USA-UKR-LOMACHENKO
Three-division champion Lomachenko has shoulder surgery
LOS ANGELES, May 31, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Three-division world champion Vasyl Lomachenko had athroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder, his promoter said Wednesday.
A statement from Top Rank Boxing said the Ukrainian had the procedure at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, after sustaining the injury in his May 12 victory over Jorge Linares in New York.
Lomachenko climbed off the canvas to stop Venezuela’s Linares in the 10th round and claim the World Boxing Association lightweight world title.
It marked a world title in a third weight division in Lomachenko’s 12th professional fight.
“The surgery, performed by world-renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal S. ElAttrache, will preclude Lomachenko from fighting August 25 as originally scheduled,” Top Rank said. “Lomachenko will begin the recovery process immediately and is hopeful that he will defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) and Ring Magazine lightweight titles before the end of the year.”
ElAttrache said Lomachenko had injuries resulting “from a dislocation event” in the May 12 bout, including a labral tear, cartilage damage and a bone impaction injury.
The doctors said there was every expectation that Lomachenko would “return to competition at his previous level of performance.”
Lomachenko improved to 11-1 with nine knockouts with the win against Linares.
Lomachenko, whose outstanding amateur career included two Olympic gold medals, added the WBA lightweight belt to a resume that includes a victory over Gary Russell Jr. for a featherweight world title in just his third pro bout.
In his seventh fight, Lomachenko moved up to super featherweight and knocked out Roman Martinez to take his belt and set the record for fewest fights needed to win a world title in two weight classes.
BSS/AFP/AU/07:35 hrs