Vasiliy Lomachenko potential next fight after coming out of retirement

Vasiliy Lomachenko is coming out of retirement and is targeting a return to the ring in 2026.

In May 2024 the Ukrainian dominated George Kambosos Jr, overwhelming the former lightweight champion before scoring the finish in the eleventh round.

The victory seemed to put Lomachenko on course for a showdown with Gervonta Davis, but the two-time Olympic gold medallist ultimately withdrew from the negotiations before announcing last summer that he would be hanging up his gloves.

His time away from the sport is seemingly going to be short-lived however, with Lomachenko also now a free agent after his promotional deal with Top Rank expired on 12 May.

With his options now open, Lomachenko's return will no doubt have put the lightweight division on notice, and we've taken a look at three fights he could choose to pursue.

Vasiliy Lomachenko Next Fight

Gervonta Davis

Prior to his retirement, Lomachenko appeared set to face Gervonta Davis for the WBA lightweight belt - but the 38-year-old's ongoing back issues were cited as a factor in the bout not materialising.

In the more than one year since the talks broke down Davis is still yet to return to the ring, and he is currently in the midst of the longest period of inactivity of his professional career with his most recent outing coming in a majority draw with Lamont Roach Jr back in March 2025.

A catchweight bout with Jake Paul was announced, but ultimately was cancelled just two weeks before fight night when a civil suit was filed against Davis.

Davis appears to be at something of a impasse in his career and a showdown with one of the sport's most decorated fighters could be just what he needs to get back to his best.

Meanwhile taking on 'Tank' would likely be the most lucrative option available to Lomachenko, as the pair would have no problem selling out an arena in the US or serving as a featured bout on an upcoming Riyadh Season event.

Andy Cruz

One interesting tidbit from the reports surrounding Lomachenko's return is that it appears he is intent on picking up right where he left off and stepping into a marquee matchup.

Debates surrounding tune-up fights are neverending in boxing spheres, but it appears Lomachenko has no desire to shake off the ring rust against an opponent below his level and will instead chase the very biggest fights available to him as his career draws to a close.

And when it comes to big fights in the division, there are few names more qualified than the reigning IBF champion Raymond Muratalla.

In his last fight Muratalla claimed a shock win over Andy Cruz - a fighter likened to Lomachenko for his decorated amateur background and rapid ascent up the professional ranks - extending his record to 24-0 in the process.

Anthony Cacace

Few countries can claim as boxing fan base quite as fervent as those in the UK, as anyone who attended the instant classic showdown between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois last weekend can attest.

With that in mind, a clash with one of the best fighters the country has to offer in the form of Anthony Cacace could be a great measuring stick for Lomachenko's standing in the sport.

Belfast-born Cacace is in the midst of an impressive run that has seen him capture multiple titles at super-featherweight, and currently holds the WBA title after outpointing Jazza Dickens in March.

Cacace has previously indicated that he would like to move up to lightweight to take on Lomachenko, and called for a fight with him after beating Josh Warrington at Wembley in 2024.