Orlando Salido tells how he beat Vasyl Lomachenko, makes pick on Loma vs Lopez

Retired featherweight world champion Orlando Salido remains as the only man to ever beat Vasyl Lomachenko inside the ring.

With only 15 fights to his name, Lomachenko has established himself as a surefire Hall of Fame candidate by capturing world titles in three weight divisions while making a case as one of the most if not the most skilled fighter ever to grace the sport of boxing.

He attempted to make history in 2014 against Salido in his second pro fight by challenging the Mexican for the WBO world featherweight title but fell short when he lost via split decision.

“When I was preparing to fight him, I knew that Lomachenko was a very smart fighter. We knew we had to make him uncomfortable, not let him think, and be on top of him to make him a good fight—and that’s what happened that night,” Salido told ESPN.

“I planned to be there, always by his side, throwing punches, not letting him think, not letting him act because we knew he was a fighter with many weapons.”

For Salido, not allowing the current number two pound-for-pound fighter to think was key in snatching the victory that night.

“When I fought him, I got on top of him, trying not to give him distance and not let him think. If you let him think, he starts with his side steps, his movements, his left-handed guard, and that makes him very dangerous,” shared Salido.

Lomachenko is slated to face Teofimo Lopez in a WBA, WBO, and IBF unification showdown on Oct. 18 (PHL time) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

And while Lopez has proven to be one of the most naturally talented pugilists in recent times, Salido believes that his old foe would prove too much to handle for Lopez.

“I think Lomachenko wins, either by decision or KO,” Salido predicted.

“Lomachenko is a better fighter, he has more mobility, he knows how to take advantage of your timing to avoid punches and he has many variations to his game.” – JM Siasat/RC, GMA News