VASYL Lomachenko will not fight Gervonta Davis at the end of the year. While the fight could still be a possibility for 2025, the fact it has been pushed so far into the future, in an era of already inactive top-level fighters, is a blow for the lightweight division’s short-term progression.
Some of the language used behind Lomachenko’s decision to end talks that barely ever got started is both revealing and frustrating, depending on your viewpoint. The Ukrainian star’s manager, Egis Klimas, told boxing reporter Steve Kim that Lomachenko is “not in the mood right now.” Klimas also clarified that Lomachenko, 36, is not retired and will spend time with his family instead.
After losing to Devin Haney in May 2023, Lomachenko went through a period of soul searching before returning almost a year later, on May 12 in Australia, to fight George Kambosos. That night in Perth, the 11th-round stoppage was clinical and decisive.
Loma showed cameo spots of his best work, crushing Kambosos and exiting with the IBF title at 135. Promoter Bob Arum was keen on matching him with Davis, which seemed like it could happen, before this updated announcement.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 15: WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis (R) punches Frank Martin during a title fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena on June 15, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Davis retained his title with an eighth-round knockout. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
‘Tank’ Davis fought on June 15 in Las Vegas, halting the previously unbeaten Frank Martin in round eight. While Davis has been guilty of not fighting often enough (law enforcement has been in Gervonta’s grill as much as any in-ring foe), getting back out this December against a fighter of Lomachenko’s calibre would’ve been a solid two-fight year.
A fight with Shakur Stevenson would be an even better replacement. Stevenson has been enjoying life as a free agent since splitting with Top Rank. That fight would, therefore, be easier to put together – in theory, at least.