Ahead of his mandatory bout with Moises ‘Chucky’ Flores on the Andre Ward v Sergey Kovalev undercard this Saturday night, the 36 year-old believes he’s running out of time in his quest to secure a career-defining encounter with his fellow amateur legend and the reigning WBN Fighter of the Year for 2016.
“I won’t refer to Lomachenko as a target, but I think it is fair to say that considering that we both have a similar amateur record, there is no better match up for the both of us,” Rigondeaux exclusively told World Boxing News.
“Now, God Bless him that he appears to have no problem whatsoever moving up in weight. I have no idea how he does it, but my body does not respond the same way.
“All I am saying is this, before he finds himself fighting as a welterweight or even a cruiserweight, he should stop and consider that our fight could be one for the ages.”
Elaborating on what weight the fight could be made at, with ‘Rigo’ currently campaigning at 122 and Lomachenko at 130 pounds, the Cuban superstar added: “I have no problem taking a fight up to 126lb if needs be.
“But not even after eating at a Cuban New Year’s party will I make 130lbs. So, if this fight is going to happen, it needs to take place now and at a catchweight that is fair to both of us.
“I love boxing, I do and one day I would love to be able to say I fought the best. There is no question that Lomachenko is among them and I want to make history.
“Win or lose, fighting Lomachenko it is a great event for the fans.”
Lomachenko aside, Rigondeaux has a plethora of options in bustling divisions at both super-bantamweight and featherweight, with the likes of Leo Santa Cruz, Carl Frampton and new 122 WBC title holder Rey Vargas on the radar.
“I am my number one critic. I have had my ups and downs, but here I am telling you I want to make history. So obviously I am not giving up yet on reaching for the Sky,” said Rigondeaux.
“I’d love nothing more than to unify the titles if Lomachenko is not willing to move down. Fighting Rey Vargas for the WBC championship is something the fans deserve to see happen.
“It’s something the Mexican fans desire and I’d love to make it happen. Let’s just hope Vargas is not related to Leo ‘Ran Ran’ (Santa) Cruz,” he joked.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
