Joe Gallagher is expecting another Vasiliy Lomachenko masterclass when the Ukrainian takes on fellow world champion Teofimo Lopez this weekend.

The Manchester trainer was in the opposite corner when his fighter - and Maverick Stars ambassador - Anthony Crolla endured a painful early stoppage at the hands of the three-weight world champion back in April 2018.

"It's a very good fight," Joe said. "Loma is an unbelievable fighter, so skilful, but he makes it look so easy. It's not as easy as it looks!  You've seen what he did to poor Anthony - no-one's ever done that before and Anthony's been in with some great fighters. Loma is something else."

Unbeaten, hard-hitting, brash and at 23 nearly a decade younger than Lomachenko, Lopez holds the IBF lightweight title and is out to make his own statement.

"He's young, ambitious and carries serious power," said Joe. "Maybe Loma has got old overnight, but he will have had to have got old overnight to lose this fight. I just feel when somebody comes with a bit of trash talk and a bit of an edge, you just see a better Lomachenko."

Regardless of events in Las Vegas, Joe will be focussed on his fighter Paul Butler who returns to the ring this weekend. The former world bantamweight champion takes on Ryan Walker in Wakefield. It's the start of what could be a busy spell for Joe's stable with Callum Smith, Callum Johnson and Natasha Jonas all angling for fights before the year is out. For Jonas, who's recent world title fight with Terri Harper ended in a controversial draw, Joe has a clear vision.

"I do think Katie Taylor and Natasha Jonas is a huge fight for next year for St Pat's [night]. Whether that's in Dublin, London or Liverpool or over in New York or Boston.  I think Natasha's profile is good at the moment."

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