In just five fights, featherweight Vasyl Lomachenko - 4-1, 2 KOs - already has a world title. But he’ll have to wait a bit longer for big-name opponents and unification bouts. For now, he’ll have to settle for an unheralded opponent in Romulo Koasicha - 25-4, 15 KOs - this Saturday on the Timothy Bradley-Brandon Rios undercard. Obviously, the Ukrainian is a ridiculous favorite to defend his title.
CURRENT ODDS
Check our online boxing odds for the latest money lines, and Lomachenko’s is laughable at this point. In some sportsbooks, he’s around -1000, but in one case he’s at -9025! Koasicha is at least a 35-to-1 underdog, with line ranging from +3500 to +4475. The total on rounds will likely be set around 10.5 rounds, with the under being the more expensive bet. Check in for the latest prop bets, and stay tuned for live betting once the fight starts on Saturday.
POISED FOR GREATNESS
A two-time Olympic gold medalist for Ukraine, Lomachenko is considered one of the best amateurs in boxing history - something his 396-1 amateur record will verify. After winning a world title in his third pro bout and tying the record for fewest fights, the champion is already eyeing a fight with unified junior featherweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux.
Top Rank president Carl Moretti is on board with a possible Lomachenko-Rigondeaux matchup, but it comes with complications. “We’d love to make that fight, but not for what they were asking for. It’s a song we’ve heard before. Lomachenko wants to be challenged every time out. Rigondeaux provides a challenge for him in his mind and probably in the ring and hopefully, we can look at it again for the first fight next year if they come back to Earth.”
For, he’ll have to take care of business against 24-year old Koasicha, who comes into the bout on a four fight win streak. However, he’s only faced limited competition his entire career. The Mexican native’s sole top-level opponent is Lee Selby, and Koasicha was nearly shut out in a 12-round decision in May 2014.
There is a huge talent disparity between Lomachenko and Koasicha, which is something that Moretti admits. “Koasicha has a pleasing style. He’s not as talented as Vasyl Lomachenko. It would be a bigger upset than if Andre Berto would have beaten Mayweather, but at least he will go after Lomachenko.”
FIGHT ANALYSIS AND BETTING
When the only good thing a promoter has to say about a title challenger is that he’ll come forward, that is not a good sign. This is a showcase bout for Lomachenko in every sense, and the odds reflect that. Take Lomachenko to win as part of a parlay, because he’s going to trounce Koasicha.
If you’re not comfortable making a parlay, check the over on rounds, as it could be a possible dark horse play that pays out. The fact that Koasicha made it through 12-rounds with Lee Selby speaks to his toughness, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him last the whole fight. Check the best boxing odds at Bookmaker Sportsbook.
HOW TO BET
Make sure to check in during fight night and get the latest live betting updates. You can bet on real-time odds during the bout, allowing you to hedge your bets or even make new ones as you watch on live television. And with multiple reliable payout options, collecting your earnings is always quick and easy. Lomachenko-Koasicha takes place on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at the Thomas & Mack center in Las Vegas, Nevada. HBO will televise the card live starting 10 p.m. ET.
