There is plenty of good reason that Vasiliy Lomachenko is celebrated as the pound for pound king as his pro boxing career, while brief, has been a study in utter brilliance. Indeed, Lomachenko has tied the record for the fewest fights needed to win the world title at three, and has set the record of the fewest fights needed to win titles in two different divisions at seven. He also has the record for the fewest fights needed to win three division with 12. All in all, it is a stunning record of success and dominance for a career that just got launched in 2013. Now the next challenge and goal awaits Lomachenko and that is winning a unification title against Jose Pedraza.
Let’s take a look at the boxing odds at BookMaker.eu, break down the matchup and go over your betting options.
Boxing Betting at BookMaker.eu
Jose Pedraza: +1600
Vasiliy Lomachenko: -3200
Over/under rounds: Check Back Later
The bout between Jose Pedraza (25-1, 12 knockouts) and Vasiliy Lomachenko (11-1, 9 knockouts) will take place on December 8, 2018 from Madison Square Garden Theatre in New York. At stake is Lomachenko’s World Boxing Association Super World Lightweight title and Pedraza’s World Boxing Organization World Lightweight title. This championship fight is scheduled for 12 rounds and can be seen on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.
Jose Pedraza vs. Vasiliy Lomachenko Fight Preview
Originally this fight was going to take place on December 1 from the Forum in Inglewood, CA but the ESPN and Top Rank executives could sense that this fight would draw plenty of viewers so they instead had it slated to come on immediately after college football’s Heisman Trophy presentation for a perfect prime time window that will maximize viewership. With such an opportune time for this championship fight the hype is already over the top, especially when you consider the vast following that Lomachenko has both with fight fans and gamblers. His short career has also captivated casual fans to see what he is all about.
“I am ready to fight an excellent opponent like Jose Pedraza,” said Lomachenko. “My goal has always been to unify titles and Pedraza is standing in my way. There is something special about fighting in New York City and Madison Square Garden. The fans in New York are true boxing fans, and I can’t wait to put on another spectacular performance for them.”
Among those eagerly anticipating this fight is Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. Although Arum cannot stop praising the excellence of Lomachenko and is quite proud of the champ’s accomplishments he also believes that Pedraza has a boxing style that could frustrate Lomachenko. Arum was one of the key figures in getting this fight’s date and TV slot moved to after the Heisman and with plenty of good reason.
“Boxing fans are excited that Vasiliy Lomachenko will be back in action on December 8,” said Arum. “He knows that in WBO champion Jose Pedraza he faces a tough opponent with a style that may give him a lot of trouble.”
For Pedraza this is the opportunity of a lifetime after he previously won at the junior lightweight level and then made two successful title defenses after that. He has also dreamed of a unification fight and is thrilled for the opportunity against such a famed champion.
“I am grateful to have this opportunity, since I didn’t get the chance to unify titles when I was champion in the junior lightweight division.” Pedraza said. “In this division, I will achieve my goal, and I will do it against one of the best boxers in the world. There will be a surprise on December 8.”
Boxing Betting Tips
Certainly, Lomachenko comes at a very expensive price but with plenty of good reason. And he should redeem his dream of a unification title.
Boxing Odds Pick: Vasiliy Lomachenko
Boxing Betting Odds
With the boxing odds atBookMaker Sportsbook, you can bet on boxing all year, from smaller cards to pay-per-view events. Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook. Jose Pedraza vs. Vasiliy Lomachenko takes place on December 8, 2018 at Madison Square Garden Theatre in New York. The fight can be seen on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.