Vasily Lomachenko’s choice to break off negotiations with Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and take the rest of the year off, only to return in 2025, has left fans crestfallen. The anticipation for a two-belt unification match between IBF lightweight champion Lomachenko and WBA champion Tank Davis in November has been abruptly dashed. Despite talks between Lomachenko’s promoters at Top Rank and PBC officials in Las Vegas last week to arrange the highly awaited contest for ESPN & Prime Video PPV, the deal fell through when Lomachenko, at 36 years old, opted to take a hiatus. It is uncertain if Lomachenko will reconsider negotiations for a bout with Tank Davis upon his return to the ring in 2025.
For a fighter like Lomachenko, who values collecting titles and making money, a clash with Tank Davis would have been the ideal route to take. Notably, in 2018, when Lomachenko expressed interest in facing Davis, the latter and his team displayed no inclination for the fight. However, with Lomachenko now older and attempting to return after a year-long hiatus following a contentious loss to Devin Haney, it appears that the tables have turned. Evidently, Tank Davis and his camp are now enthusiastic about arranging the match, which suggests that they believe they hold the upper hand in this scenario.
The defeat against Haney was Lomachenko’s third controversial loss, with previous ones against Teofimo Lopez and Orlando Salido. It was Lomachenko’s father who persuaded him to come back to the ring after missing a year of action to contend for the vacant IBF belt against George Kambosos Jr., whom he subsequently defeated in Perth, Australia. However, the disappointment over the outcomes of his fights, combined with his age, may have influenced Lomachenko’s decision to temporarily step away from the sport.
Davis’ Next Opponent Selection
In the wake of Lomachenko’s departure from negotiations, Tank Davis will now have to seek another opponent to defend his WBA title later this year. The potential candidates for Davis include Shakur Stevenson, William Zepeda, and Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz. Of these, Stevenson stands out as the preferred choice among fans, given his impressive track record as a former three-division world champion and 2016 Olympic silver medalist. However, concerns regarding Stevenson’s style, which could lead to a less thrilling match if he opts for a defensive strategy against Davis, should not be overlooked. On the other hand, Zepeda offers an exciting prospect with his power, pressing style, and unblemished record, although he may not be as recognizable to casual boxing enthusiasts. Lastly, Cruz, having been defeated by Tank Davis in 2021, might not generate as much interest for a rematch with the Baltimore champion.
Lomachenko’s decision to postpone his fight with Tank Davis and take time off until 2025 has left both fans and the boxing community disappointed. The missed opportunity for a highly anticipated unification bout, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding Lomachenko’s return to negotiations, marks a significant setback in the sport. Meanwhile, Tank Davis faces the challenge of finding a suitable opponent to defend his WBA title, with various contenders in the mix. The dynamics of these decisions and their implications for the fighters’ careers underscore the complexities and uncertainties inherent in professional boxing.