Russ Anber believes Vasyl Lomachenko’s talent has contributed to him being taken for granted.
On Saturday at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand, Lomachenko was widely considered unfortunate to have been scored the loser at the conclusion of a high-quality, competitive affair with Devin Haney, the undisputed lightweight champion.
The 35-year-old Lomachenko considered the scores so unjust that in his post-fight dressing room he was moved to tears. His manager Egis Klimas has also since spoken of his plans to lodge an appeal with the Nevada State Athletic Commission in their pursuit of what they would consider justice.
Anber, a respected figure who has long been both Lomachenko’s and Oleksandr Usyk’s cutman and wraps both of their hands, again worked the Ukrainian’s corner during the fight against Haney and was among those who believed Lomachenko deserved victory.
Comparing him to the great Juan Manuel Marquez – unfortunate not to be awarded victory against the aggressive Manny Pacquiao on at least two occasions – Anber told ProBox TV: “Imagine if any American or British fighter had [had Lomachenko’s career].Anybody in history who has done that. Nobody has that kind of pedigree. How do you not give credit to this guy for doing that? That pisses me off that they don’t recognise the greatness before them.
“I said this years ago as it pertained to Juan Manuel Marquez. Where Marquez was often on the short end of decisions he should have won. He is so good, he is so talented – so subtle in his expertise in the ring – that the layman judging doesn’t have the educated eye to recognise the greatness before them.
Anber was also once an established trainer and, having worked with Otis Grant the night he lost to Roy Jones Jnr when the great Jones Jnr was in his prime, has also observed other fine fighters at close quarters.
“This is why I like when guys like Roy Jones – real fighters [give him credit],” he continued. “People who really recognise greatness – great recognises great – at least he has the recognition of the great fighters.”
