Anthony Crolla vs Vasyl Lomachenko Odds & Prediction

• Vasyl Lomachenko is a massive favorite in his bout with Anthony Crolla
• Crolla wants to “shock the planet” by pulling off a huge upset
• Lomachenko has already won world titles at three weights in just 13 fights

Boxing’s next superstar-in-waiting, Vasyl Lomachenko, has another opportunity to parade his extraordinary talents when he defends his world lightweight titles against Anthony Crolla at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, April 12th.

Ukraine’s Lomachenko is already regarded by many as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter and is a huge favourite at -10,000 odds.

Anthony Crolla vs Vasyl Lomachenko Odds

*Odds taken 04/10/19

That means a calculated decision to bet big to scoop a small pay-out. Or taking a huge chance on a very unlikely upset straight from the files of boxing romance. Britain’s Crolla is priced at +1600. The first option would be by far the smarter one.

?"Motivation for me is attaching my name to one of the biggest upsets in British boxing history." @ant_crolla on his upcoming bout with @VasylLomachenko

? 3am, Saturday, Sky Sports Main Event pic.twitter.com/23TUs4mYYy

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) April 9, 2019

Even Crolla, a major hero in his hometown of Manchester and a former world champion, admits he will “shock the planet,” if he wins.

Crolla vs Lomachenko Tale of the Tape

Lomachenko Has Devastating Hand Speed, Accuracy and Timing

Lomachenko, 31, has had only 13 professional fights but has already won world titles at three weights.

He offers a devastating package of stylish southpaw  abilities including fabulous hand speed, supreme athleticism, and searing accuracy and timing. It makes him one of the most attractive performers in the sport.

"I anticipate an entertaining fight. I want to enjoy {myself}. All of my fights, I have enjoyed. Before the fight, you're nervous a little bit, but when you step in the ring, it's your place. You step into your house, relax and enjoy the fight.” – @VasylLomachenko #LomaCrolla pic.twitter.com/Z7XtUMschB

— Boxing News (@BoxingNewsED) April 10, 2019

He is rated the best operator across all weights by ESPN. And this after he was a double Olympic gold medalist in 2008 and 2012.

WBA, WBO, and Ring magazine Lightweight Belts Are Up for Grabs

In total, Lomachenko won 396 amateur bouts and lost only once.

His WBA (Super) and WBO belts will be on the line along with The Ring magazine’s prize. It will be his second defense of the WBA championship and the first of the WBO’s at the 132 lb. limit.

He claimed his first world title in only his third fight. That was when he won the vacant WBO featherweight belt by defeating Gary Russell junior on a split decision in March, 2014 in California.

His second came after only seven contests. He became the quickest boxer in history to win world titles at two weights by taking the WBO super-featherweight belt with a fifth round knockout of Rocky Martinez at Madison Square Garden.

One Blemish on Lomachenko’s Record

There is one blemish on his 13-fight professional record. In his second outing he lost a split decision against the veteran Mexican Orlando Salido.

Lomachenko lost a controversial split decision against Orlando Salido in his second outing.

However, there was controversy over the scoring and a claim by some observers that Salido had landed a number of low blows. Lomachenko accepted the decision. He said the defeat was a valuable learning experience.

Crolla, aged 32, is more experienced with a record of 34 wins, six defeats and three draws. Yet he has been criticized simply for agreeing to take the date against Lomachenko.

It's #LomaCrolla Fight Week and to kick things off here are exclusive interviews with both ahead of their world title showdown in LA this Friday! ????@VasylLomachenko VIDEO ?: https://t.co/Vc4XnJPC04@ant_crolla VIDEO ?️: https://t.co/bdvFwu13vg pic.twitter.com/Ta0XaZzhyV

— Nick Peet (@Peety_Editor) April 8, 2019

Most analysts believe he will be a long way out of his depth after stepping in as a late replacement for the Ukrainian’s originally scheduled opponent, the injured IBF lightweight champion Richard Commey.

“Million Dollar” Crolla is renowned in England for his involvement in an extraordinary incident in which he suffered a fractured skull while tackling burglars who had raided a neighbor’s house in January 2015.

Crolla Won World Title on 2nd Attempt

He recovered to challenge for a world title only six months later. But he was denied the WBA lightweight belt following a controversial draw against champion Darlys Perez of Colombia in Manchester.

At the second attempt the following November, he became a world champion by stopping Perez in the fifth round, again in Manchester.

He made one successful defense against Ismael Barossa in Manchester in May 2016. He won via a seventh round stoppage of the Venezuelan.

Crolla Lost Belt in 2nd Defense Against Linares

Crolla lost the title in his second defense when he suffered a points defeat against Jorge Linares, once more at The Manchester Arena in September 2016.

ENTER THE MATRIX! ??

Pound-for-pound star @VasylLomachenko looks relaxed at today's media workout ahead of his WBA/WBO World lightweight title bout with @ant_crolla on Friday in LA… ?

Best fighter in the world? ?

Full workout: https://t.co/W9XZhKrsWq#Boxing #LomaCrolla pic.twitter.com/1mBUpWpWZr

— Boxing Social (@boxing_social) April 10, 2019

The Englishman was then beaten in his hometown by a wider points margin in a re-match against Linares the following March.

On the comeback trail, he has won three successive times. He has beaten Ricky Burns, Edson Ramirez and Duad Yordan – all by unanimous decision.

However, it is widely accepted that none of these fights offered anything like the challenge he will face against Lomachenko.