Nothing sends the boxing public into convulsions quite like the judges’ scorecards after a close consequential fight. Inevitably, the decision will be ridiculed by fans of the losing fighter, and casuals will decry it as the latest example of the sport’s demise.
That level of backlash and outrage was reached nearly a year ago when Devin Haney won by unanimous decision against Vasyl Lomachenko to remain the undisputed lightweight champion. Lomachenko, confident that his busier hands had earned him the win, was brought to tears by the controversial result. (For the record, I had Haney winning 115-113, just as two judges scored it, because he threw the heavier shots, especially to the body.)
Lomachenko has not fought since that disappointing loss. However, the stylish boxing display against Haney erased doubts about the Ukrainian and showed he is still very much a factor. The three-division champion is far from being done.
That renewed belief in Lomachenko (17-3, 11 knockouts) can partially explain why bettors are so convinced the 36-year-old will box his way to victory against fellow former world lightweight champ George Kambosos Jr. (21-2, 10 KOs). Their bout for the vacant IBF lightweight title in Australia on Saturday (ESPN, 10 p.m. ET) is the latest big matchup on a very busy springtime boxing calendar.
While Lomachenko impressed the last time he fought despite losing, Kambosos really underwhelmed the last time he was in the ring despite winning, escaping with a questionable majority-decision nod against Maxi Hughes last July to gain the IBO lightweight belt. Fans didn’t think Kambosos deserved the victory. The sportsbooks see him as a clear underdog (+475, DraftKings) against Lomachenko (-700, DraftKings).
The 30-year-old Kambosos does have a signature victory against Teofimo Lopez, who stunned Lomachenko a year earlier to become IBF, WBA and WBO lightweight champ. There’s little belief Kambosos can summon that caliber of performance to beat Lomachenko.
Here are the best bets for Saturday’s title fight in Perth.
Drop those predictions now 🍿 pic.twitter.com/Ka6olYZcOw
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) May 11, 2024
Fight result: Lomachenko to win (-700, BetMGM)
Final judgment: Lomachenko by unanimous decision (-110, BetMGM)
Lomachenko’s superior speed and boxing skill ultimately will turn the fight into his favor. A low punch output early is the norm for Loma, who patiently deciphers how to puncture his opponent’s defense before unleashing combinations.
Exact fight outcome: Unanimous decision (-135, DraftKings)
This wager doubles down on Lomachenko’s methodic mode of attack. It also allows for the upset by a rejuvenated Kambosos.
Will the fight go the full 12 rounds? YES (-275, BetMGM)
Lomachenko hasn’t won by KO since June 2021 when he stopped Masayoshi Nakatani in the ninth round. Kambosos’ last six fights have all gone to the judges’ scorecards. This bout surely will go the distance.
Boxing record: 7-3, +1.92 units