Vasiliy Lomachenko’s Possible Title Shot Draws Backlash After Two-Year Layoff

The WBO says Emanuel Navarrete fight would receive serious consideration despite Lomachenko not fighting since 2024

Vasiliy Lomachenko has not fought in two years, but the former multi-division champion is already being linked to another direct world title shot if he returns. The possibility of Lomachenko moving straight into a fight against Emanuel Navarrete is drawing criticism from fans who believe active contenders are being pushed aside again.

Lomachenko, now 38, recently became a promotional free agent after allowing his Top Rank contract to expire. His last fight came in May 2024, when he stopped George Kambosos Jr. in the 11th round to win the IBF lightweight title. He later stepped away from the sport and has not fought since.

Most expected Lomachenko to return at lightweight if he came back, especially with names like Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson floating around the division. Instead, a direct shot at unified WBO and IBF super featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete is already being discussed if Lomachenko decides to move down to 130.

Navarrete strengthened his position earlier this month by stopping Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez in the 11th round to unify titles at super featherweight. Before any comeback fight, tune-up or eliminator could even be mentioned for Lomachenko, WBO president Gustavo Olivieri openly suggested the sanctioning body would approve an immediate title fight.

“Lomachenko is back, and if he wants to fight at 130lbs against Navarrete, I’m sure that the WBO Executive Committee will approve their fight,” Olivieri said on social media.

“In light of his professional merits — Olympic gold medallist, champion in multiple divisions, WBO super champion, a future Hall of Famer — I’m sure the approval will be unanimous.”

That stance is unlikely to go over well with contenders already working through the rankings at 130. Charly Suarez is currently pushing toward a mandatory position and faces Manuel Avila on July 11 in a fight that could move him directly into Navarrete’s path.

The situation leaves boxing with another familiar debate. Fighters spend years climbing rankings for title opportunities, yet retired stars can often walk straight back into championship fights the moment they return. Lomachenko’s accomplishments are real, but handing him an immediate shot after two years out is the kind of treatment most fighters never get close to receiving.

WBO President Gustavo Olivieri reiterated that, should Team Loma formally seek a direct shot at Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete, the matter would receive serious consideration from the Executive Committee given Lomachenko’s legacy as a 3-Division WBO World Champion and one of the… pic.twitter.com/ZJy3qTcU3P

— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) May 21, 2026

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