Gervonta Davis Has The Chance To Secure His Legacy By Fighting Vasiliy Lomachenko

Promoter Bob Arum revealed that talks will soon begin between representatives of Gervonta Davis and Vasiliy Lomachenko over a blockbuster lightweight unification fight.

“We’re up for that fight. Lomachenko’s up for that,” Top Rank president Arum, who represents Loma, told BoxingScene on Tuesday. “When we sit down, we will see if it’s feasible, but Lomachenko would like to do that fight.”

Arum added that any potential fight could take place in November or December while also insisting that a bout with ‘Tank’ holds more appeal than against WBC champion Shakur Stevenson.

“Davis has established a position where he’s good at the box office … a fight with Davis would produce more money than a fight with Shakur,” he said. “Everything’s up in the air. There’s a lot of possibilities,” Arum said. “And possibilities are good, because they keep everyone busy.”

Tank vs Loma is one of the fights to made in boxing. Arguably only a showdown between Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez could generate more interest and attention.

Lomachenko Destined For Hall of Fame

Two of the sport’s biggest stars, Davis and Lomachenko can both lay claim to being the best fighter in the lightweight division. The only way to settle it would be for the pair to trade leather.

A clash of styles between the powerful and pressing Tank against the slick and skilfull Loma should also produce fireworks and has the potential to be an all-time classic.

For Lomachenko, it would be a fight that would only burgeon a legacy that is already destined for the Hall of Fame. The Ukrainian was one of the greatest amateurs in history before transitioning to the pro ranks, where he’s won world titles in three weight classes.

Concerns that the 36-year-old was showing signs of decline were emphatically dispelled with his masterclass victory over former unified world champion George Kambosos Jr last month.

A victory over Tank would put Lomachenko amongst the all-time greats, yet defeat wouldn’t have too much influence over his place in boxing history.

For Davis, however, it could be argued that he is still seeking that legacy-defining fight and victory that all the greats have achieved. The American has beaten a succession of fine opponents; the likes of Ryan Garcia (albeit struggling with a massive weight cut), Rolando Romero, and Frank Martin were all worthy opponents and proved Tank as one of the best boxers of his generation.

Davis Still Seeking Legacy Fight

But a bout with Lomachenko would be a legacy fight that has the potential to elevate Tank’s status to an era-defining fighter. So too, it could be argued, would a bout with Stevenson.

The WBA champion insisted after his eighth-round knockout of Martin last Saturday that both Loma and Stevenson are on his hitlist, saying: “Most importantly, I want to just get back to the drawing board. Get back in the gym and just stay focused. I felt I was a little rusty, but all (those) guys are on my radar.”

And right now, it’s a fight Davis needs more than IBF champion Lomachenko. Saturday night’s bout against Martin in Las Vegas ended more than 400 days of inactivity for Tank – a less-than-ideal situation for a world champion.

Add to that the speculation that Davis’ return to the ring underperformed with pay-per-view sales, it leaves the American in a position without as much leverage as he’s used to. The demand from fans for this fight has always been there, so under the current circumstances, if it fails to materialize, Davis will receive fresh accusations of ducking Lomachenko.

Tank failed to agree bouts with then fellow lightweight champions Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez – Lomachenko has fought both – before they moved up to 145lbs. A similar failure to face Loma will not reflect well on Davis.

Of course, for now it’s all speculation as initial meetings are yet to even take place. But with Lomachenko a willing opponent, the ball feels very much on Davis’ court, even at this early stage. It’s therefore up to Tank if he truly wants that one fight that could secure his legacy.