ANTHONY Crolla will challenge Vasyl Lomachenko for his WBA and WBO lightweight titles in Los Angeles on April 12.
Lomachenko had already pencilled in a unification about against Richard Commey, but the latter’s hand injury has opened the door for ‘Million Dollar’ Crolla.
Matchroom promoter and Sportsmail columnist Eddie Hearn confirmed the fighters had agreed terms for the Staples Center showdown.
“Lomachenko is a great talent, but Anthony is in great shape and ready for this chance,” said Hearn.
“It’s a huge opportunity for Anthony. He has earned his stripes – a former world champ who has fought the best.
“He won the final eliminator against (Daud) Yordan in November, and I’m happy he gets this chance now.”
Manchester-born Crolla, 32, won the WBA lightweight title in November 2015 after a fifth-round knockout of Darleys Perez. He lost his belt, however, following a defeat by unanimous decision against Jorge Linares in 2016.
The Brit has overcome Yordan, Edson Ramirez and Ricky Burns in his last three bouts, but faces a stiff task if he is to take Lomachenko’s WBA and WBO straps in April.
The Ukrainian is a three-weight world champion having fought just 12 professional fights following an amateur career which saw him claim two Olympic gold medals.
– MailOnline
