On Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City, a crossroads fight takes place in the lightweight division - with former world champions Vasiliy Lomachenko and Richard Commey colliding in the ring.
The two fighters share a common opponent in Teofimo Lopez.
Lomachenko suffered an upset twelve round decision loss to Lopez in October of 2020, while Commey was knocked out in two by Lopez in December 2019.
Lomachenko is a big favorite - actually 8-1 according to some oddsmakers.
Former two division world champion Timothy Bradley gave his take on the fight and he views Commey as a very dangerous opponent for Lomachenko.
"A few of the raw numbers actually favor Commey. He almost doubles Loma's career win total with his knockout victories alone. But anyone who knows anything about Lomachenko, his amateur career and how much he has done in his pro career in that small sample of fights knows there's a lot more to that story," Bradley said to ESPN.
"Stylistically, this shapes up as a battle of aggression. Commey likes to bull forward behind a heavy stiff jab to set up his concussive right hand. Lomachenko, the smaller, more agile fighter, typically employs intelligent aggression. Lomachenko uses feints, slot changes, pendulum bouncing and front-plus-backfoot shuffles to create different angles for his attacks. As he's doing all of those things, Lomachenko is slowly inching forward to close distance and operate at the most dangerous distance in boxing -- midrange."
However, Bradley is still backing Lomachenko to win and he doesn't rule out the scenario of a late stoppage.
"This matchup is dangerous for both. I anticipate Lomachenko will start a lot slower than he did against Nakatani because Commey is considerably bigger and stronger. He outreaches Lomachenko by four inches. Loma is technically better and wiser, and has seen this style many times," Bradley said.
"I envision a slow breakdown for Commey, leading up to something exceptional and scintillating. Everyone who watches will understand why Lomachenko is a living legend. Strength comes in many forms, but the one with the most vigorous mind seemingly always perseveres. Lomachenko wins by late TKO stoppage."
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