Home Boxing News Vasiliy Lomachenko set to defend against Anthony Crolla on April 12 in...

Vasiliy Lomachenko set to defend against Anthony Crolla on April 12 in Los Angeles

Vasyl Lomachenko
Photo Credit : Chris Farina - Top Rank

WBA and WBO lightweight world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko 12-1 (9) will defend his world championships against former lightweight champion Anthony ‘Million Dolla’ Crolla 34-6-3 (13) at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on April 12 on ESPN+.

Lomachenko, widely regarded as one of the top pound-for-pound talents in the sport, is looking forward to returning to the east coast where he has previously scored significant wins over Gary Russell Jr and Miguel Marriaga.

“Los Angeles boxing fans are passionate and knowledgeable and I look forward to putting on a spectacular show for them at Staples Center,” said the 31-year-old Ukrainian.

“Crolla is my mandatory challenger and I like that he always comes to fight. He’s going to make the most of this opportunity.”

British veteran Crolla, 32, has won three bouts on the trot since dropping back-to-back decision losses to Jorge Linares.

“I cannot wait for this. These are the fights you are in the sport for. People will say that I have got nothing to lose, but I am genuinely going over to LA to shock the world,” Crolla said.

“I will concentrate on me. Firstly, I have to make sure the best Anthony Crolla turns up that night. I’m not worried about that. Preparing for Lomachenko is hard because he’s so unorthodox. He’s that good that when he does something wrong he gets away with it. You wouldn’t teach some of the things that he does. He’s so unique in that respect.”

In the co-feature longtime WBO super middleweight world champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez will make his light heavyweight debut against an opponent to be announced in a 10-rounder.