Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. Jose Pedraza Prediction

Lomachenko is 11-1 with 9 KO’s.  He’s holds the record for winning three championships at different weights in the fewest number of fights (11). That after losing his 2nd pro fight to the Orlando Salido.  In his last fight against Jorge Linares, he was on the canvas in the 6th and down on one score card (tied on another) before stopping Linares in the tenth with a lethal shot to the liver. Lomo has the feet and balance of a “ballroom dancer” combined with a non stop punching engine.  He’s an offensive juggernaut with a laser right hand that looks to hurt his opponent to the body. The one guy in his armour is that he does not counter punch but instead he’s just an offensive machine.   In his only loss, Solido bullied him and roughed him up. So what type of fighter beats Lomo?  He must have a great chin, box from the outside and control the action with a stiff jab.  Lomo can be reckless and dropped but is Pedraza the one to stop this Ukrainian train?

Pedraza is 25-1 with 12 KO’s. In his only loss, he engaged in a firefight with Gervanta “Tank” Davis and lost the war and succumbed in the 7th round.   In his last fight, he took the belt from Ray Beltran by controlling the action with a quick jab and effective head movement.  He’s a southpaw that prefers to stay in midrange with his gloves held high moving his head to minimize punishment.   He prefers to move forward, hands held high pumping out the right hand jab.  He has a tendency to tire late in fights but held up well against Beltran.  I think one of his flaws is he too macho as he likes to move forward, but if his opponent moves forward he will stand his ground and engage (see Tank Davis fight.) Prediction:

If Pedraza studies Lomo, he knows the best course of action is to “be a Sniper” and stay on the outside constantly shuffling to his right and pumping jab after jab at Lomo. He should know that Lomo is not adept at counter punching and this is his best chance for success. It would be nice to catch a +2500 underdog bet, but sadly this won’t happen.  Pedraza likes to linger-mid range with gloves held high. Lomo is much to quick and clever for Pedraza. It's only a matter of time before Lomo rushes in and catches Pedraza with a body shot forcing Pedraza to go “Randy Poffo” on Lomo and engage in a firefight and before falling for good. (Did anyone get the Poffo reference?)  Expect Pedraza to be under heavy pressure throughout as I like Lomo to win inside the distance at -230 odds. I’m also betting the over 7.5 round prop at +150 and trying to catch a middle and win both bets (hoping the fight ends in rounds 8-12.)