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Vasiliy Lomachenko Eyes Emanuel Navarrete, Gervonta Davis For Ambitious Return
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Vasiliy Lomachenko Eyes Emanuel Navarrete, Gervonta Davis For Ambitious Return

Originally posted on Dice City Sports  |  By Robert LaMar  |  Last updated May 20, 2026 11:02 AM ET
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Vasiliy Lomachenko isn’t planning a soft return to boxing. After more than two years away from the ring, the former three-division world champion is reportedly targeting elite opposition immediately upon his comeback later this year.

According to The Ring’s Mike Coppinger on DAZN’s Inside The Ring, Lomachenko is looking at unified IBF and WBO junior lightweight champion Emanuel Navarrete as a possible first opponent in the fall.

Coppinger previously reported that Lomachenko has no interest in tune-up fights and only wants marquee-level opponents as he closes out his legendary career.

The Ukrainian icon reportedly views Navarrete as an ideal return matchup due to:

  • Navarrete’s championship status
  • His aggressive style
  • His current pound-for-pound momentum
  • The possibility of immediately re-entering the title picture

If Lomachenko defeats Navarrete, discussions could reportedly shift toward a long-awaited showdown with Gervonta Davis.

Navarrete Riding Career Momentum

Emanuel Navarrete enters the potential matchup in outstanding form. Navarrete (40-2-1, 33 KOs) is coming off one of the biggest wins of his career after stopping Eduardo Nunez in the 11th round on February 28 to unify titles at 130 pounds.

That performance elevated the Mexican star to No. 10 on The Ring pound-for-pound rankings. The 31-year-old has already captured world titles in three different divisions and is widely considered one of the sport’s most dangerous volume punchers. A clash with Vasiliy Lomachenko would pit two of boxing’s most creative and high-IQ fighters against one another.

Davis Fight Still Carries Massive Appeal

A potential fight between Lomachenko and Gervonta Davis has lingered around boxing circles for years. Representatives for both fighters reportedly discussed a fight in late 2024 before Lomachenko ultimately retired while dealing with lingering back issues.

Now, with Lomachenko preparing a return, the matchup could once again become realistic. However, Davis’ momentum has cooled significantly over the last year.

The Baltimore star:

  • Saw a planned fight with Jake Paul collapse because of legal complications
  • Fought to a majority draw against Lamont Roach Jr. in March 2025
  • Has remained mostly inactive since

Even so, Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) remains one of boxing’s biggest commercial attractions.

Hall Of Fame Legacy Already Secure

Vasiliy Lomachenko (18-3, 12 KOs) last fought in May 2024 when he stopped George Kambosos Jr. in the 11th round to win the vacant IBF lightweight title. He later retired in June 2025 while battling persistent back problems. Across his career, Lomachenko:

  • Won Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012
  • Captured titles at featherweight, junior lightweight and lightweight
  • Became one of the defining pound-for-pound fighters of his era

Now, the 38-year-old appears ready for one final run and he wants the biggest fights available immediately.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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