Vasyl Lomachenko vs Masayoshi Nakatani sees the return the the ring of ‘The Matrix’ Saturday night, and we have odds and picks plus a handy TV guide.
Loma, the Ukrainian superstar, has been out of action since last October when he dropped a decision to Teofimo Lopez in their eagerly-awaited lightweight unification match in Las Vegas.
After that defeat, Vasyl underwent shoulder surgery but now he is back to full fitness, and makes his return against the 32-year-old Japanese star Nakatani at Virgin Hotels, Las Vegas.
Loma – not surprisingly – is a prohibitive favorite at -1150 with FanDuel (bet $1150 to win $100) and nobody is getting rich there apart from the high rollers. Nakatani meanwhile is a big outsider with best odds of +900 with FanDuel and bet365.
Here is all the boxing betting info you need ahead of the big showdown Saturday night in Sin City.
Lomachenko vs Nakatani picks
We pride ourselves on the fact our boxing betting picks are both expert and free, and that is not going to change for this fight.
Like we said, there is no point getting involved on the money line with the odds currently being quoted about Loma. We can’t see him losing, but we also can’t see any wins in taking -1150.
While ‘The Matrix’ will have too much for his brave opponent, it may take him a little while to get back into the swing of things after that injury layoff.
We expect him to shake off the ring rust, grow into the fight gradually and do what he does best. Systematically break down his opponent.
Bet the fight to go the distance, and Loma to take a lop-sided decision.
OddsCritic Pick: Vasyl Lomachenko to win on Points at +105 (DraftKings)
When does the fight start?
Lomachenko vs Nakatani takes place at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on Saturday June 26, 2021. Ring walks for the main event are expected at around 2300 ET (1800 PT).
How can I watch the fight on TV?
Loma is promoted by Bob Arum’s Top Rank, which in turn has a huge broadcast deal with ESPN. So you can catch the bout thanks to The Worldwide Leader Saturday night.
What’s at stake in Lomachenko vs Nakatani
Nothing from a title perspective. Loma’s belts went to Teofimo after that defeat last October.
Vasiliy Lomachenko record
Loma was born on February 17, 1988 and he is now 33 years old. He has a professional record of 14-2 with 10 of those victories coming inside distance.
Remarkably, this will be on the second time Loma has fought as a pro without.a world title being on the line – the first was in his professional debut.
Before turning professional Lomachenko had a stellar amateur career which included Olympic gold medals in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012. His amateur record was an incredible 396-1 – the loss (later avenaged) coming to Albert Selimov.
Loma’s pro ledger includes some of the sport’s big names between 126 and 135lbs – including victories over the likes of Jorge Linares, Guillermo Rigondeaux and Gary Russell Jr.
Masayoshi Nakatani record
The 32-year-old Nakatani has fought 20 times as a professional – winning 19 and losing 1. Some 13 of those 19 victories have come inside distance. His only defeat to date was a decision loss to the aforementioned Teofimo in 2019.