Vasyl Lomachenko could get exception from WBA not to face Anthony Crolla
Unified lightweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko is hoping the WBA grants an exception to forego fighting mandatory challenger Anthony Crolla. Instead, he hopes to fight the winner of the vacant IBF title bout between Richard Commey and Isa Chaniev.
Earlier reports claimed the WBA had pushed back the purse bid ordered to fight Crolla until February 6. Therefore, this news comes as a huge surprise to the boxing community.
The top brass at Top Rank are hoping to hear from the governing sanctioning body sometime next week. If they get the favorable decision, they will begin preparations for another unification bout.
Lomachenko ended 2018 by winning the WBO title, defeating Jose Pedraza via unanimous decision. Many critics feel the slick southpaw took more hits than usual. This could be attributed to a shoulder injury suffered during the Jorge Linares contest prior.
It’s common knowledge throughout the boxing community the desire Top Rank has in a possible fight with WBC champion Mikey Garcia. The undefeated Mexican star vacated the IBF title, ironically, only to fight IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. This move created the opportunity for Commey-Chaniev to take place.
The lightweight division has been making some very fan-pleasing fights lately and everyone likes unification bouts. It helps paint a clear picture as to who is the top fighter in the division.
Although nothing has been officially confirmed, if the WBA grants the exception, it’s rumored that Top Rank’s ideal date and location for the Lomachenko unification bout is April 12 at the Staples Center.
3kingsboxing will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they materialize.
By: Garrisson Bland
