Promoter Bob Arum has confirmed that his fighter, IBF light-weight champion Vasily Lomachenko, desires the struggle in opposition to Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis for later this yr.
Arum says he hasn’t spoken to Lomachenko (18-3, 12 KOs), however he mentioned he talked to his supervisor Egis Klimas, who says Loma desires to face Tank Davis subsequent.
A Lengthy-Awaited Struggle
After Lomachenko’s final struggle in opposition to George Kambosos Jr. in Might, there was speak that he would possibly retire. That’s not the case. Arum says High Rank will meet with Tank’s administration this Friday to proceed negotiating the struggle.
Lomachenko desires the unification struggle in opposition to WBA ‘common’ light-weight champion Tank (30-0, 28 KOs), and the 2 might meet in November if their administration can put collectively a deal that they’re each happy with.
Lomachenko has needed this struggle since 2017, however Tank’s promoters throughout these years weren’t enthusiastic about making the match for apparent causes.
Tank wasn’t combating anybody that the followers needed him to, as he was protected to maintain him from shedding. Now that he’s getting older and turning into extra assertive about his profession, he’s prepared to start out combating higher opposition.
He nonetheless hasn’t began doing that but, however hopefully, with this struggle in opposition to Lomachenko, he’ll flip over a brand new leaf and begin taking dangers.
Negotiating the Deal
“Our individuals at High Rank are assembly with their individuals this week, in all probability on Friday, and hopefully, we will hammer out a deal so we will try this struggle earlier than the top of the yr,” mentioned promoter Bob Arum to Sean Zittel, speaking in regards to the Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis vs. Vasily Lomachenko light-weight unification struggle.
“I do know that Tank desires that struggle, and Loma desires that struggle. So, now it’s a query of agreeing on phrases. No, I haven’t spoken to him, however I’ve spoken to Egis Klimas, his supervisor, who lives in California. Egis mentioned he spoke to Loma and received the go-ahead,” mentioned Arum about Lomachenko being in favor of combating Tank Davis subsequent.
“I don’t suppose age issues. The query is, Tank, together with his energy, can that match the skillset of Lomachenko? That’s what makes it an interesting struggle. Tank doesn’t have wherever close to the talents of Lomachenko, however Lomachenko doesn’t have wherever close to the ability that Tank does.
“That’s why you do these fights. I believe he’s a really competent fighter, and he’s clearly very highly effective,” mentioned Arum about Tank Davis. “He often is the hardest puncher I’ve seen within the light-weight division for a very long time, perhaps since [Roberto] Duran.
“No, we’re not sending anyone over to anyone,” mentioned Arum when requested if he was going to do a joint broadcast or ship Lomachenko over to Amazon for the Tank struggle. “That will likely be hashed out between the perimeters as at all times.
“The individuals will likely be coping with Luis DeCubas. We’ll put collectively a deal that each side can dwell with. What that can appear like is a part of the negotiations.
“When each individuals, those that do the combating, when they need it, the possibilities of it taking place are a lot higher than when one fighter is reluctant, and one fighter desires it. Right here, each fighters need it, and if each fighters need it, the fits meet and have an obligation to place it collectively. So, yeah, I’m bullish,” mentioned Arum.
