All signs pointed to a lightweight unification bout between Gervonta Davis and Vasiliy Lomachenko later this year.
Both men benefited from Devin Haney moving up to super-lightweight and dropping all four belts at 135. Lomachenko won the vacant IBF strap with a stoppage victory over George Kambosos Jr whilst Davis was elevated automatically from WBA Regular to Full Champion.
Despite not winning the belt in the ring, the American made an impressive first defence against previously-undefeated Frank Martin, knocking his fellow southpaw out in emphatic style in the eighth round.
Post-fight, ‘Tank’ said he wanted all-comers but it was quickly revealed by Top Rank promoter Bob Arum that talks were to begin with his man Lomachenko.
Arum was very confident negotiations would progress and had expected the Ukrainian to fly to the US to move things along.
Lomachenko’s manager, however, has now told Steve Kim that the three-weight world champion ‘is not in the mood right now’ and is enjoying spending time with his family.
“Loma is not in the mood right now, he doesn’t have the motivation at the moment. He’s taking off, he wants to spend more time with the family. He doesn’t want to do anything till the end of the year.
So he’s definitely not coming to the ring till the end of the year. With Loma, just money is not what motivates him. He doesn’t take anything just because of money. You can offer him millions, tens of millions of dollars – if he doesn’t have motivation, he’s not ready to prepare for the fight.”
Arum had previously floated November for the bout meaning it remains a possibility should the 36-year-old find the spark to begin camp. Davis’ team is unlikely to wait around, though, and now may entertain talks with WBC Champion Shakur Stevenson – a match-up most feel is more intriguing.
