WBC Moves Lomachenko into Mandatory Spot; Shakur Stevenson Fight Next?
Two-divisional champion Shakur “Fearless” Stevenson (20-0, 10KO) responded to the WBC’s decision to leave three-divisional champion Vasyl “Hi-Tech” Lomachenko (17-3, 11KO) in the number one spot.
It is no secret that after losing to undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney, manager Egis Klimas sent letters to each of the four major sanctioning bodies requesting Lomachenko be named mandatory challenger. Well, the WBC has granted their request, as the recently updated ranking shows Hi-Tech is still in the top spot.
As of the writing of this article, the WBC is the only sanctioning body to have updated its ranking system. It will be interesting to see if the other organizations follow suit.
WILL LOMACHENKO GET THE REMATCH OR FIGHT STEVENSON?
The WBC’s decision has created two very interesting scenarios. The first one is a possible rematch with The Dream, which is what most boxing fans and fighters have expressed they believe should happen. If Haney decides to vacate the titles and move up to junior welterweight, it opens the door for the Ukrainian to fight the number-two ranked Stevenson for the vacant title.
Keep in mind this is the fight that Top Rank CEO Bob Arum has talked about making in the past. In 2022, the legendary promoter mentioned the fight as a possibility for 2023.
Vasyl Lomachenko has given high praise to his fellow stablemate based on the sparring session they’ve had in the past. Fearless has eyed a fight with the three-divisional champion since he competed in the junior lightweight division.
3Kings Boxing will continue to monitor this story as it looks like Stevenson-Lomachenko could become a reality.
