The news that Vasyl Lomachenko is preparing to return to the ring has generated enormous excitement among boxing fans, who are eager to see the Ukrainian star back in action. According to recent reports, “Loma” intends to campaign at super featherweight, and the division’s current world champions appear more than willing to give him an immediate title shot. The latest to express his interest is WBC champion O’Shaquie Foster.
Speaking to The Ring, Foster said:
“I would give him the opportunity.
I can be the first one he comes to see. I’ll send him back to where he needs to be. If you coming back, let’s get it done. I got the title and I’ll put it up. We can make it happen.”
“I used to say that was my dream fight. Just because of the skills, angles and all of the movements he made in the ring. But once he retired, I got away from thinking about it. I think that’s the fight to make, skill for skill, it would make for an amazing fight.”
Lomachenko has not fought since May 2024, when he stopped Australia’s George Kambosos Jr. in the eleventh round. Following his decision to reverse his retirement plans, there was speculation about a possible showdown with Mexico’s Emanuel Navarrete, who currently holds the IBF and WBO super featherweight world titles after unifying them in February with a superb victory over fellow Mexican Eduardo Nunez.
Foster, meanwhile, is the reigning WBC world champion and most recently defended his title on May 30, defeating Raymond Ford by majority decision.
Both Navarrete and Foster already have mandatory challengers lined up. Navarrete is expected to face Thailand’s Charly Suarez, while Foster is scheduled to meet Britain’s Ryan Garner. It remains to be seen whether the sanctioning bodies will grant an exception allowing either champion to face Lomachenko immediately.