Lomachenko vs. Pedraza: Preview, prediction and viewing guide

Many consider Vasiliy Lomachenko to be the best boxer in the world. Does Jose Pedraza stand a chance of pulling off the biggest upset of the year?

Most boxing experts believe that Vasiliy Lomachenko (11-1, 9 KOs) is the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. His movements are precise and lightning quick and his punches land with dangerous accuracy. Jose Pedraza (25-1, 12 KOs) attempts to steal Lomachenko’s WBA lightweight title to add to his WBO belt on Dec. 8, but does he stand a chance?

Lomachenko’s achievements in the ring are uncanny. He won two gold medals and two world championships as an amateur. As a professional, he challenged for a major world title in his second bout and won one in his third. No other boxer has done that.

Pedraza is a world champion as well. He won the WBO lightweight title from Raymundo Beltran in August. It was a competitive bout, but Pedraza controlled the action. He also owned a title previous to his fight with Beltran.

Pedraza was a super featherweight titlist for over a year but lost a one-sided bout to Gervonta Davis in 2017. Davis stopped Pedraza in the seventh with a devastating right hook. Pedraza got to his feet, but the referee didn’t think he was able to continue safely.

When it comes to notable victories, Lomachenko’s résumé is more impressive than Pedraza’s. He has wins over Gary Russell Jr., Roman Martinez, Nicholas Walters, Guillermo Rigondeaux and Jorge Linares. Andrey Klimov and Raymundo Beltran are the best boxers Pedraza has defeated.

Pedraza has a 6-inch reach advantage over Lomachenko, but that’s about his only advantage. Lomachenko has faster, more powerful hands and his skills are masterful. He’s also a southpaw which will give Pedraza fits.

Pedraza doesn’t have much of a chance in this contest. The Sportsbook Review has him as high as a 47-1 longshot. Lomachenko has a 75 percent KO rating, but he’s not a one-punch knockout artist. He stops fighters with an accumulation of punches.

Considering Davis stopped Pedraza in seven rounds, Lomachenko should make faster work of Pedraza. Look for Lomachenko to take Pedraza out in six rounds or less.

The fight takes place on Saturday, Dec. 8 at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Fight coverage begins on ESPN at 9:00 p.m. ET. Undercard coverage can be viewed on the ESPN+ App starting at 6:00 p.m. ET.