Lomachenko eyes Navarrete, Davis after ending retirement

Vasiliy Lomachenko is coming out of retirement with his sights set on Emanuel Navarrete and Gervonta Davis.

The former three-division champion, who retired in June after lingering back issues, is targeting the unified IBF and WBO 130-pound titleholder Navarrete for a fall comeback, The Ring's Mike Coppinger reported Monday on DAZN's Inside The Ring broadcast. If that fight happens and Lomachenko wins, a bout with WBA lightweight champion in recess Davis could follow.

Why Navarrete makes sense for Lomachenko's return

Lomachenko and Davis were already in negotiations for a late 2024 fight before the Ukrainian southpaw stepped away from the sport. Navarrete, who stopped Eduardo Nunez in the 11th round in February to unify belts at 130 pounds, landed at No. 10 on The Ring's pound-for-pound list after that win. The 31-year-old Mexican has held titles in three weight classes and would give the 38-year-old Lomachenko the kind of significant opponent he reportedly wants for his return.

Lomachenko last fought in May 2024, stopping George Kambosos in the 11th round to claim the vacant IBF lightweight strap. He held titles at featherweight and junior lightweight before twice capturing lightweight gold, including a unified reign during his first run at 135 pounds.

Davis has lost momentum after his cancelled fight with Jake Paul and a majority draw against Lamont Roach Jr. in March. The Baltimore southpaw remains one of boxing's top attractions when he fights, making him a logical target if Lomachenko can get past Navarrete first. A fall date for the Navarrete bout has not been announced.

Source: ringmagazine.com