Vasiliy Lomachenko is planning a comeback after more than two years away from the ring, with Charly Suarez now named as the preferred opponent.
Lomachenko has not fought since defeating George Kambosos Jr. for the IBF lightweight title, but an official briefed on his plans says the Ukrainian wants Suarez as a serious test before chasing another world title fight.
Suarez is already in the WBO super featherweight title picture after his controversial no-contest with Emanuel Navarrete in May 2025. The fight was initially ruled a technical decision win for Navarrete after a cut stopped the bout, but video replay later showed the cut came from a Suarez punch, leading the California State Athletic Commission to change the result to a no-contest.
Lomachenko reportedly sees Suarez as the right opponent because a win could put him in position to face unified WBO and IBF super featherweight champion Navarrete. Suarez is expected to fight on July 11 in San Francisco first, and Lomachenko would be ready for the matchup after that.
Navarrete has already shown respect for Lomachenko’s career, saying: *“He’s already done more than enough, right? He’s done a lot of impressive and very good things.” But he also made clear that if Lomachenko comes for him, he will focus on that fight.
Lomachenko has now left Top Rank and is being represented by a new group, while Suarez is promoted by Sampson Lewkowicz. There have also been links between Lomachenko and Gervonta Davis, but no serious negotiations have taken place with Davis’ team.
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