HBO Championship Boxing Picks

WBO World Junior Lightweight Championship: Vasyl Lomachenko (c) (6-1) vs. Nicholas Walters (26-0-1)

Nolan Howell: Lomachenko finally gets back to a stiffer test after a sort of recovery trip when he lost to Orlando Salido in his second fight. Walters is on a bit of a skid despite being undefeated in his last two. Walters dropped his WBA featherweight strap on the scales against Miguel Marriaga, but managed to win the fight. He earned a majority draw against Jason Sosa in his last outing.

While Lomachenko has enough power to hang in there with just about anyone given his precise punching, he would be best served to demonstrate his superior technique against the aggressive brawler. Walters will look to pop Lomachenko at range before he can get inside. Lomachenko should be able to take advantage of anything wild and looping by stepping in and landing a few before getting back out to safety. If Lomachenko takes advantage of his, Walters will fade late and he could possibly pick up the stoppage. The decision is the safer call. Vasyl Lomachenko by unanimous decision.

Welterweight Bout: Egidijus Kavaliauskas (15-0) vs. Juan Ruiz (17-0)

Nolan: Kavaliauskas via UD.

Welterweight Bout: Konstantin Ponomarev (30-0) vs. Silverio Ortiz (35-18)

Nolan: Ponomarev via UD.