HE’s regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet.
Vasyl Lomachenko makes his UK bow as he faces Luke Campbell in a world title showdown at the O2 in London – and fans are intrigued by the Ukrainian’s stunning body art.
Vasyl Lomachenko tattoos
SINCE his gold at the London 2012 Games, Loma has emerged as the most feared lightweight in the world.
After a glittering amateur career in which he recorded 396 wins, he turned pro in 2013 and suffered an early setback against Orlando Salido in March 2014.
But since then, he has steamrollered his way through the lightweight division and currently holds the WBA (Super), WBO, and The Ring world titles – and will defend them against Campbell on August 31.
Under each bicep, Loma has a tribute to his Olympic achievements from both 2008 and 2012.
He won gold at both – first at featherweight, before stepping up to lightweight and dominating seven years ago in the capital.
The champ also sports a huge chest tattoo that shows his heart and a crucifix, whilst is just over an eye-catching portrait of his father Anatoly – his first coach.
Lomachenko was coached by his dad from a young age, who reportedly wouldn’t let his son box until had taken traditional Ukrainian dance classes.
Loma revealed to the Telegraph: “What you see today is what my father created. My father is still in the old school. He doesn’t like tattoos.
“We young people live a different life, so I felt I needed to do it. I wanted to show my appreciation to my father. I did it and now it’s going to be with me forever.
“Sometimes, of course, we have problems and arguments. But we will always stay as family.”
Eagle-eyed fight fans may have noticed that Loma is no longer sporting a shoulder tatt from 2017.
He revealed: “It’s a mistake because it’s not look like I wanted. [It’s gone] Because I didn’t like it.”
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When is Loma vs Campbell?
YOU can catch this fight on Saturday, August 31 at London’s O2 Arena.
The evening’s entertainment from the capital starts around 6pm.
This is the main event of the night and should get going around 10pm BST.
Sky Sports Box Office are broadcasting the event in the UK, with fight night costing £19.95.