By Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2024

First published in Faith Hope & Fiction (August 3, 2024 Issue)

Dedicated to Vasiliy Lomachenko

Commanding respect in the ring
throughout his entire career,
with punishing precision,
instilling opponents with fear;

Two Olympic golds to his name,
five world titles in three belts,
a nearly unblemished record
that 400 amateurs felt;

Dubbed “The Matrix” for his moves
evading punches with ease,
he assesses weaknesses,
then stuns…causing fighters to freeze,

A master from every angle,
with the fastest gloves in the world,
pondering a world title bout,
he gazed at Ukraine’s flag unfurled;

Choosing to fight for his country
rather than face men in the ring,
he joined his homeland’s army
battling for Ukraine that spring;

After serving in the army
Lomachenko trained for the fight
to reclaim the IBF title,
summoning all of his might;

While many questioned his age,
whether his heart burned with fire,
he answered with dazzling gloves,
forcing Kambosos to retire;
standing beside bloodied fighter,
draped in Ukraine’s flag, to inspire.