The 24-year-old lightweight from Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, who won gold medals at Beijing 2008 and London 2012, is also a double AIBA World Championship champion and will lead a formidable Ukraine Otamans in their Group B clash against the Lionhearts on March 1.

It is so far unknown which of the Lionhearts Lomachenko will face but the prospect of a fight against Ireland's London 2012 silver medallist John Joe Nevin presents a mouth-watering prospect, with Josh Taylor, Joe Cordina or Sam Maxwell other potential opponent for the Ukrainian at York Hall.

"The fans in London know their boxing and I cannot wait to show them what I can do," said Lomachenko, named outstanding boxer for the tournament and Beijing 2008 awarded the Val Barker Trophy.

"The Lionhearts have been good this season but we are getting stronger and stronger so I predict our victory."

Lomachenko will be joined by another superstar in heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning Olympic and world champion.

"I am enjoying WSB, it is a good competition," said the 26-year-old from Simferopol, who is famed for his"'Hopak" dance victory celebration.

"I beat Uaine Fa the last time the Otamans faced the Lionhearts but I knew that I could have been more spectacular.

"One thing is for sure, this time around I want everyone to remember the fight. I like to entertain and that is what I will do."


Another Ukrainian confirmed for London 2012 light heavyweight Oleksandr Gvozdyk and British Lionhearts general manager Matthew Archibald expressed his delight that such high a high quality line-up will be facing his team at York Hall.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for boxing fans to see one of the globe's finest young talents in one of the world's most iconic and intimate boxing environments," said Archibald.

"Lomachenko is a modern-day boxing legend so it is great for the sport that fans will have the chance to see him up close."

The Lionhearts and Ukraine have both already booked their spot in the WSB knockout stages, meaning both can afford to lose the match, although they will both be gunning for victory to secure an easier quarter-final match with a higher Group B ranking.

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