The undefeated, undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney defends his titles against future Hall of Famer Vasiliy Lomachenko in a 12-round bout this weekend at the MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Haney hopes to start carving out his legacy to the detriment of the legendary Lomachenko, who himself wants to prove he still has one more title run left.
Boxing odds have Haney as the favorite at -260. Lomachenko enters this fight as a +200 underdog, only the second time in his career that he isn’t a betting favorite.
Here are our picks and predictions for Haney vs. Lomachenko from Las Vegas.
Devin Haney vs Vasiliy Lomachenko odds
| Method of victory | Devin Haney | Vasiliy Lomachenko |
|---|---|---|
| Win outright | -260 | +200 |
| Win by KO/TKO | +600 | +800 |
| Win by points or decision | -160 | +320 |
| Draw | +1,400 | +1,400 |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of May 17, 2023.
Devin Haney vs Vasiliy Lomachenko betting predictions
Picks made on May 17, 2023. Click on each pick to jump to the full analysis.
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Devin Haney vs Vasiliy Lomachenko betting preview
If you’ve been following the odds or listening to the narrative spun by boxing experts, this is going to be the night Devin Haney establishes his pound-for-pound credentials against Vasiliy Lomachenko. Considering Lomachenko was hailed as the perfect boxing specimen before his 2020 loss to Teofimo Lopez, it’s quite surprising how quickly many have jumped off the bus.
Then again, Haney possesses the type of style and intangibles a fading Lomachenko wished he didn’t have. Haney is younger, physically stronger, fast with his feet and hands, and could match Lomachenko’s boxing IQ. He often works behind a sharp jab, then smothers his opponent on the inside, targeting both the head and body with quick strikes. Defensively, he’s very hard to hit, and he can effectively counter-punch.
The champion has multiple avenues to victory. A disruptive jab can keep Lomachenko at bay, and he can muscle his smaller opponent around the ring while landing body shots and preventing him from settling into an offensive rhythm. Lomachenko has a sturdy chin, so a knockout is out of the picture, but he’s always been vulnerable to opponents that can negate his activity.
Admittedly, this is the only time Haney could beat Lomachenko. It appears that the Ukrainian boxer is losing his edge, as demonstrated in his recent bout against Jamaine Ortiz. Injuries and lack of activity due to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia have taken a toll on his performance in the ring. With over 400 amateur bouts and titles in three divisions, it's no surprise that “Hi-Tech” is showing some wear.
What Lomachenko still possesses is impeccable hand speed, a swarming style that’s hard to shut down, and unheralded toughness. Though he’s ignored the reality that he’s too small to compete at lightweight, Lomachenko can still overwhelm opponents with his punch selection, and will have an advantage in punching power. He’s also hard to hit cleanly, and has excellent conditioning.
Lomachenko needs to take risks and target Haney’s body. Haney is huge for a lightweight and has looked drawn in his last two fights against George Kambosos, and Lomachenko can take risks because Haney is feather-fisted. However, banking on Haney overtraining for the biggest fight of his career would not be a wise course of action — though Lomachenko isn’t above making tactical errors.
Devin Haney vs Vasiliy Lomachenko boxing prediction and best bet
Prediction: Haney moneyline
When Lomachenko lost to Lopez, he got soundly outboxed for the first six rounds before making a fight out of it in a losing effort. This older version of Lomachenko will struggle with a sharper boxer who can match him for speed, limiting his chances of a late comeback. This should be the most complete performance we’ll get out of Haney, who is relishing the chance of outsmarting a still serviceable legend at the tail end of his career.
Lomachenko’s style has carried him to success against one-note pressure fighters looking to force him into a fight. Ironically, he doesn’t do well versus traditional boxers who can muscle him around. Haney fights methodically and presently matches Lomachenko in the speed and skill department. It’s not likely Lomachenko’s last hurrah will result in victory.
The call here is that Haney retains.
Prediction: Haney moneyline (-260 at DraftKings)
Best Bet: Haney by decision
Haney will outclass Lomachenko, but he won’t stop him. Bigger punchers have hurt Lomachenko in the past, but he has rarely hit the canvas in dire straits. We’ve seen Haney dominate fighters, throwing everything at the kitchen sink at them, and he’s still without a stoppage in his last six fights.
The reliable choice is the bout going the distance, with Haney getting the win by decision. At -160, it’s the best pick to make.
Prediction: Haney by decision (-160 at DraftKings)
