Vasiliy Lomachenko could land an immediate world title shot, but only if he chooses to campaign at 130lbs.<\/p>\n
Either way, the 38-year-old is set to return to action later this year, having allowed his deal with Top Rank to expire earlier this month.<\/p>\n
As a promotional free agent, \u2018Loma\u2019 is now expected to fight for the first time since May 2024, back when he scored an 11th-round stoppage victory over George Kambosos Jr.<\/p>\n
In doing so, Lomachenko claimed the IBF lightweight title after having previously become a three-division world champion, with his last 10 professional outings all being fought at 135lbs.<\/p>\n
But while many are expecting him to return to lightweight, perhaps in pursuit of an eventual clash with Gervonta Davis<\/a>, the Ukrainian could potentially be tempted by an opportunity at 130lbs.<\/p>\n In other words, he is set to be offered an immediate world title shot against unified champion Emanuel Navarrete, who comes off a dominant 11th-round finish over Eduardo \u2018Sugar\u2019 Nunez<\/a>.<\/p>\n This, in turn, saw him unify the WBO and IBF titles, though it remains unclear what options the Mexican is exploring for his next outing.<\/p>\n One of them, however, could be a showdown against Lomachenko, with WBO president Gustavo Olivieri sharing his thoughts on the matter via social media.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cLomachenko is back, and if he wants to fight at 130lbs against Navarrete, I\u2019m sure that the WBO Executive Committee [will approve their fight].<\/p>\n \u201cIn light of his professional merits \u2013 [two-time] Olympic [gold] medallist, champion in multiple divisions, WBO super champion, a future Hall of Famer \u2013 I\u2019m sure the approval will be unanimous.\u201d<\/p>\n WBO President Gustavo Olivieri reiterated that, should Team Loma formally seek a direct shot at Emanuel \u201cVaquero\u201d Navarrete, the matter would receive serious consideration from the Executive Committee given Lomachenko\u2019s legacy as a 3-Division WBO World Champion and one of the\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/ZJy3qTcU3P<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) May 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n While the Lomachenko fight could make sense for both parties, super-featherweight contender Charly Suarez will be demanding a mandatory shot at Navarrete if he comes through his next outing, against Manuel Avila, on July 11.<\/p>\n