By Steve Kim

Top Rank announced earlier that on December 8th that the WBA/WBO lightweight unification bout between Vasyl Lomachenko and Jose Pedraza would take place at the Hulu Theater at the Madison Square Garden.

Sources tell BoxingScene.com that WBO 122-pound champion, Isaac Dogboe, will be making his next title defense on this special three-hour ESPN broadcast that will follow the Heisman Trophy presentation.

Dogboe (20-0, 14 KOs) has had a banner 2018, defeating Jessie Magdaleno on April 28th in 11 rounds to capture the belt and then on August 25th blew out Hidenori Otake in one in what was his first title defense.

Also another strong candidate to be on this show is highly regarded lightweight prospect, Teofimo Lopez, who was impressive in dismantling William Silva in six rounds on July 14th but suffered an injury to his right hand that sidelined him for a couple of months.

Last week he was given a clean bill of health and has begun training.

Lopez (10-0, 8 KOs) is viewed as one of the best rising fighters, if not the best, in Top Rank's vast stable. It would be Lopez's fourth fight of the year, after fighting in February, May and then July.

“We are thrilled to bring fans one of the year’s marquee boxing events to ESPN,” said ESPN’s Burke Magnus, executive vice president, programming and scheduling.

“Currently ranked as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport, Lomachenko is who fans want to watch. His historic victory last year on this night was a tremendous success, and we look forward to showcasing the world’s best once again.”

Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.