Lomachenko vs. Crolla predictions: Who will win?
At this point, it’s the only question worth asking: Who will win Friday night’s lightweight title bout between Vasiliy Lomachenko and Anthony Crolla at Staples Center in Los Angeles? Our experts make their picks.
Dan Rafael
ESPN.com
Lomachenko by decision
Crolla is a solid pro and former world titlist who has faced good opposition and always gives a good effort. But Lomachenko is on an entirely different level. No knock on Crolla, but this looks like a one-sided Lomachenko victory, as are most Lomachenko fights. Lomachenko in dominating decision.
Timothy Bradley Jr.
ESPN boxing analyst/former champion
Lomachenko by KO6
It’s been a while since Lomachenko has been 100 percent, and we know what he can do when he is. I go with a sixth-round KO. The man is back walking on his hands.
Juan Manuel Marquez
ESPN Deportes boxing analyst/former champion
Lomachenko by KO
Lomachenko will show his speed, punching combinations and accuracy. He is so much better than Crolla at everything. That’s why Lomachenko is clearly the favorite to get his hand raised on Friday.
Nick Parkinson
ESPN UK
Lomachenko by KO6
Crolla is dreaming of pulling off one of the biggest shocks in British boxing history, but the reality is Lomachenko will be too slick, quick and accurate for him to last beyond the halfway mark. You won’t be able to fault Crolla’s spirit and courage. The trouble for Crolla is he won’t be able to find any fault in Lomachenko.
Teddy Atlas
ESPN boxing analyst
Lomachenko by TKO
I believe Crolla’s style is made to order for Lomachenko. Then again, you could probably say that about many fighters out there when they have to go against the top fighter in the world. I do think that when Crolla puts the ear muffs on (and covers up defensively), Lomachenko will find his body an inviting target, and then when Crolla begins to lean forward, look for Lomachenko’s uppercuts to score. Six or seven rounds of that should be enough for Lomachenko to get the TKO win.
Nigel Collins
ESPN.com
Lomachenko by TKO
Crolla’s high point was most likely his first bout with Jorge Linares, in which he lost a decision in a very competitive fight. Linares won the rematch in a much more convincing manner. Lomachenko, on the other hand, stopped Linares, and he’ll probably do the same to Crolla. The Englishman is a good fighter, but Lomachenko is a great one.
Steve Kim
ESPN.com
Lomachenko by KO
While Crolla is a solid professional fighter, Lomachenko is on a different level. Crolla is sound enough and experienced enough to not get blown out early — and he certainly won’t fold up his tent like others have in the past. Crolla will eventually get worn down by the skills of Lomachenko, who I think stops him between Rounds 8 and 10.
Eric Raskin
Showtime Boxing
Lomachenko KO8
No disrespect to Crolla, who has proven himself a solid contender over the years, but it’s hard to see him winning a round, never mind winning the fight. Lomachenko is on a whole different level, and he figures to pile up points and punishment until the ref or Crolla’s corner takes mercy on him and stops the fight.
Charles Moynihan
ESPN bureau producer
Lomachenko by TKO8
Lomachenko, with the most diversified set of tools in his boxing toolbox, thoroughly outclasses Crolla and wins via eighth-round TKO.
Salvador Rodriguez
ESPNdeportes.com
Lomachenko by KO
I recognize Crolla as one of the most intense fighters of recent times in British boxing, but I think he has very little chance against a man with the quality of Lomachenko. I think it will be another Loma concert, and we will see a technical knockout within eight or nine rounds. Be prepared to watch the excellence of “Hi-Tech.”
Claudia Trejos
ESPNdeportes.com
Lomachenko by KO7
Crolla lost twice to Jorge Linares. Linares lost to Loma in the 10th round by TKO. Let’s do the math, shall we? Lomachenko will beat Crolla by KO. I don’t think it will get past Round 7.
Bernardo Pilatti
ESPNdeportes.com
Lomachenko by decision
Lomachenko has the speed, throws a lot of punches and has technical advantage. Crolla is strong, takes punches well and has height and reach advantages. That won’t be enough, though. Lomachenko’s IQ will lead him to an easy unanimous-decision victory.
Jorge Eduardo Sánchez
ESPN Deportes boxing host
Lomachenko by KO
Crolla has good technique, but he’s pretty far from elite. He is aggressive, but that will not be enough against a fighter with Lomachenko’s skills.