Jason Burgos
This time last year, gold-medal-winning boxer and pound-for-pound superstar Vasiliy Lomachenko ended his impressive run competing in the sweet science. The Ukrainian went out on a high note with a knockout win over George Kambosos Jr. in his final fight, and at 37, it seemed like his decision would stick after losing two of his last six. Well, it didn’t.
On Tuesday, Ring Magazine’s Mike Coppinger broke the news that the three-division champion intends to return to the sport this fall, and he won’t be competing in a tune-up bout. He wants to jump into the deep end of the pool and is seeking a big-time money fight.
With that in mind, let’s look at four possible opponent options for Lomachenko’s next fight.
Shakur Stevenson
The scrap many fight fans will be hoping for is a matchup with, arguably, the toughest puzzle in the sport right now, Shakur Steveson. The 28-year-old has been outstanding on his road to posting a 25-0 record and has become boxing’s most avoided fighter.
If the former lightweight champion is looking for a big name and major challenge in his return from retirement, there is no better option at lightweight or junior welterweight.
Teofimo Lopez
Teofimo Lopez became a star in the sport when he scored a stunning decision win over Lomachenko in 2020. It was a defeat the future Hall of Famer never got to avenge. After coming up short against Stevenson in January, a rematch with the Ukrainian would be a risk. However, a second victory over “Hi Tech,” even at 38 years old, would bolster his own HOF case one day.
Ending his retirement to get one back — something he has yet to do for any of his three losses — would be an intriguing storyline while also a big fight.
Raymond Muratalla
Another intriguing option for Vasiliy Lomachenko’s return fight would be a scrap with lightweight’s best fighter not named Shakur Stevenson, Raymond Muratalla. The 29-year-old is 24-0 after defeating Andy Cruz in January and holds the IBF title.
It would not be a surprise to see Lomachenko jump into a title fight immediately, and potentially set up a unification bout with Stevenson early next year.
Naoya Inoue
While it is unlikely, fight fans would absolutely love to see a dream fight between Vasiliy Lomachenko and current pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue. After moving to 33-0 with a decision win over Junto Nakatani this month, there is really nothing else for the unified junior featherweight king to do around that weight class.
At 33 years old, he needs to seek out big money-making opportunities while he is at the height of his powers. Would the 122-pound star be open to moving up to 130, and would Lomachenko be willing to go down to make a fight happen? It is something both men should consider.
