Gervonta Davis vs. Vasyl Lomachenko Lightweight Title
Embed from Getty Images
The much anticipated lightweight world title unification bout between Gervonta Davis and Vasyl Lomachenko has been called off. Originally planned for November, the match was to become one of the most anticipated events in the world of boxing, a fight for the WBA and IBF lightweight world titles. Both the fighters, Lomachenko under the banner of Top Rank headed by Bob Arum, and Davis under the banner of Premier Boxing Champions were negotiating terms that appeared to be quite favorable. But then Lomachenko surprisingly stepped away from the sport until 2025, halting the negotiations and the prospective bout.
Lomachenko’s Exit Shocks Boxing World
Lomachenko with a professional record of 18 wins and 3 losses has made a decision that has shocked the boxing fraternity. His decision to withdraw from such fights came as a surprise to many, and his desire to fight in high-profile matches has left fans and insiders disappointed.
Co-trainer of Gervonta Davis, Kenny Ellis, and Davis’s team were not happy about it. To Mill City Boxing, Ellis noted, “He is straight ducking… Hopefully, Shakur won’t duck… They keep saying that Tank is ducking Shakur, let’s see… He and Lomachenko are the only ones left.”
In these changes, attention was paid to the possible battle between Gervonta Davis and the WBC champion Shakur Stevenson. This fight, which may now seem possible with the recent inactivity of Lomachenko, could present Davis with another chance to challenge another formidable contender in the lightweight division.
Lomachenko’s Manager Cites Lack of Motivation for Hiatus
Lomachenko’s manager later speaking to the boxing reporter Steve Kim said that the Ukrainian boxer decided to take his break due to lack of motivation and to spend time with his family. He stated:
Loma is not in the mood right now, he doesn’t have motivation at the moment, he’s taking off, and he wants to spend more time with the family. You can offer him millions, tens of millions of dollars – if he doesn’t have motivation, he’s not ready to prepare for the fight.
If Gervonta Davis and his team are to plan their next move, then other possible opponents include William Zepeda and Isaac Cruz for a rematch. Interestingly, Zepeda, who is ranked very well with all the major sanctioning bodies at 135 lbs, is expected to face WBO champion Denis Berinchyk next, as he plots his way through the rankings. Stevenson is currently not affiliated with any promoter after he left the Top Rank promotion company. He is likely to ink a deal with Matchroom Boxing with Eddie Hearn, who said he would not stand in the way of making a Davis fight.
How will Gervonta Davis’ team navigate the sudden withdrawal of Vasyl Lomachenko, and who will emerge as the next formidable contender in the lightweight fight?
