«Won't Make It to the 12th Round»: Experts on Gervonta vs. Loma Fight

American WBA lightweight champion (up to 61.2 kg) Gervonta Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) and Ukrainian IBF titleholder Vasyl Lomachenko (18-3, 12 KOs) are expected to face off at the end of 2024.

While the fight hasn't been officially announced, the boxing world is abuzz with discussions about this potential mega-fight. Notable boxers have already picked their favorites, but do experts agree with them?

Former world champion and current analyst Paulie Malignaggi believes Davis announced this fight now due to Lomachenko's age. “Davis strategically announced this now because it's advantageous for him – Lomachenko has aged a bit. The notion that Lomachenko is still the same is mistaken. A victory over Kambosos might make fans think otherwise, but Davis knows this, and it’s also a unification fight. It’s a calculated business move. Lomachenko has aged, but his name still carries weight. This is the natural transition in boxing: the young lion defeats the old lion. Even an older Lomachenko is better than Frank Martin. This is the best fight that can happen in this weight category,” Malignaggi said on Deep Waters on ProBox TV.

Former champion and ESPN analyst Timothy Bradley expects a close fight. “A tough fight. I think it’s 50-50. Not 60-40, but 50-50. The reason is that Tank is a counterpuncher, so he's always looking to react and counter. He reacts a lot to feints, and Loma is one of the best at this, taking opponents out of position. Is there an age factor here? Maybe. I do feel Tank can win and knock him out, and there are ways he can do it. He needs to put Loma on the back foot,” Bradley told FightHype.com.

Kenny Ellis, one of Gervonta's trainers, predicts a knockout victory for his fighter. “The third phase of studying Lomachenko: why are these highlights of Loma suddenly appearing? Are they trying to scare us? He won't see the 12th round against Gervonta,” Ellis wrote on social media.

Trainer Robert Garcia agrees with Ellis and predicts Lomachenko’s first knockout loss. “I think Loma is still one of the most talented fighters, but at 36, it’s different. Honestly, 9-10 years ago, it would be a different story. Now, I'd favor Tank due to his youth and sheer power. It’s hard to beat him. In terms of skills, Loma has always been one of my favorites. Will Davis be the first to knock out Lomachenko? If they fight... I hate to say it, but I see it happening. I hate to say it because I love Loma, but I see it,” Garcia told Sean Zittel's YouTube channel.

Manny Robles, trainer of interim WBC super welterweight champion Serhii Bohachuk, believes the fight might go the distance. “You saw what Lomachenko did in his last fight. It was an outstanding performance. The fact is, he is one of my favorite boxers. However you look at this fight, it will be 50-50 and great. It will be a fan-favorite fight because Loma also loves to fight. He’s a technician. And Gervonta is a technician, but he can go out there and fight. I believe it will be a great fight to watch. I see the fight going the distance. I definitely see that. These are two very smart fighters with high IQs. If they fight, there will be situations where they try to outsmart each other and capitalize on their opportunities. May the best man win at the end of the night. I just hope the fight happens,” Robles told FightHype.com.