Vasiliy Lomachenko to ‘step aside’ so Gervonta Davis can fight Shakur Stevenson

Shakur Stevenson versus Gervonta Davis could be next according to a close aide of the fighter who was until recently in negotiations with ‘Tank’ for a contest later this year. 

It was reported that Vasiliy Lomachencko, the IBF lightweight champion, was in talks with Davis, the WBA belt-holder, regarding a unification contest but according to Davis’ co-trainer, Kenny Ellis, the 36-year-old veteran is plotting a more direct route to lightweight supremacy.

“Lomachenko said he will step aside and let Gervonta Davis fight Shakur Stevenson this fall and he’ll fight the winner early 2024,” Ellis said on Instagram.

Given Lomachenko’s age, one might presume he’d be better off fighting the likes of Davis sooner rather than later. However, with Stevenson holding the WBC title, Lomachenko could fight for three belts rather than two if he waits a little longer. Furthermore, should Davis defeat Stevenson he’ll be an even more marketable foe for Lomachenko than he is at present. And should Stevenson win, Lomachenko gets the chance to repay the American for last night wearing a shirt with his face on it and the words ‘Bob is saving his son from this ass-whooping’. 

Stevenson, who coasted to victory over Artem Harutyunyan, is now a free agent after revealing he turned down a $15m offer from Bob Arum’s Top Rank for a five-fight extension to his now-expired contract with the promotional powerhouse.

Last week, Stevenson told BoxingScene that a fight with Davis would be “the biggest fight in the world, if we are really thinking about it. Every hood in America is going to watch that fight… That’s the biggest and best fight to make in boxing.

“That’s the game plan for me and the end goal. That’s the fight that I am going to kick the door down with. Honestly, that’s the direction I want to go in.”