Tim Bradley believes that Vasily Lomachenko will be the “hardest” fight Gervonta Davis has ever faced. Bradley contends that Davis, known as “Tank,” must secure a knockout to win against Lomachenko,

as he cannot outbox the Ukrainian to secure a decision victory. Bradley emphasizes that Davis either knocks out Lomachenko or loses on points.

Tank’s Knockout Imperative One of Tank’s vulnerabilities is his tendency to fall behind in fights, a habit that could prove costly against Lomachenko. Lomachenko excels at maintaining a lead and avoiding desperate punches from opponents.

Bradley notes that Lomachenko (18-3, 12 KOs) presents a challenge that Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) has never encountered before, especially in their upcoming November unification bout.

As the WBA lightweight champion, Davis possesses the power to win if he can land his punches. However, Bradley is skeptical about Tank’s ability to connect effectively against Lomachenko. “I don’t think Loma is over-the-hill. Tank is going to have to knock him out because Loma can get ahead on the scorecards,” Bradley explained to Fight Hub TV.

Bradley highlighted Lomachenko’s recent performances against George Kambosos Jr. and Devin Haney as evidence of his enduring prowess. Lomachenko decisively stopped Kambosos Jr. and was on the receiving end of a controversial decision against Haney, a fight many felt he won. Bradley scored that fight 8-4 in favor of Lomachenko.

The Strategy Game
Bradley is curious about Tank’s strategy for the fight. “It would be interesting to see Tank’s game plan and what he would do. If Tank comes forward, firing combinations behind that jab, he can control Loma. But if he sits back and uses a high guard with nothing in between, Loma will push him back.”

Bradley compared Tank’s potential movement to past opponents of Lomachenko. Fighters like Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, and Orlando Salido, who had mobility, gave Lomachenko trouble. Conversely, Tank’s flat-footed style resembles Guillermo Rigondeaux, who was ineffective against Lomachenko.

“Loma is not running. He stays in close proximity, outside the reach, getting in and out, playing with distance,” Bradley observed. Lomachenko’s ability to move and outmaneuver opponents was evident in his fight against Kambosos Jr., where he landed shots and moved out of range effectively. Bradley expects a similar approach against Davis, who he considers predictable.

Loma’s Unique Skillset
“I just think Loma brings something Tank has never seen before. Loma will be the hardest fighter Tank has ever fought. Mentally skillful, experienced, even with the age. Every legendary fighter has one more good fight in them. They’re just waiting for the opportunity to show it,” said Bradley.

Bradley believes Lomachenko is superior to any of Tank’s previous opponents, who included older fighters and B-level sluggers like Ryan Garcia, Frank Martin, Isaac Cruz, and Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero. Tank has avoided pure boxers, a strategic decision by his management to prevent him from being outboxed.

Bradley acknowledged the challenge ahead for Lomachenko, saying, “I think Tank is the right guy for him. Loma knows he’s got to go down to the ocean, the deepest part of the ocean, and come back up if he’s going to beat Tank because Tank is younger and stronger.”

A fight against Tank Davis is the pinnacle for Lomachenko, who has sought this match for seven years. The timing, with Lomachenko now 36, indicates Tank’s management only felt confident in Tank’s chances recently. This respect underscores Lomachenko’s formidable reputation and the high stakes of the upcoming bout.