The WBC junior lightweight champion says he is ready to defend his title against Lomachenko if the former three-weight world champion resumes his career
O’Shaquie Foster has invited Vasiliy Lomachenko straight into a WBC junior lightweight title fight if the Ukrainian returns to the ring. Foster says he is prepared to put his championship on the line against one of boxing’s most accomplished champions.
Lomachenko announced his retirement earlier this year after one of the most decorated careers of the modern era, but talk of a possible comeback has continued.
Asked by The Ring whether he would face Lomachenko should he return, Foster immediately embraced the idea.
“If you’re coming back, let’s get it done. I got the title, and I’ll put it up. We can make it happen.”
Foster has repeatedly expressed interest in facing the biggest names available during his title reign, and a bout with Lomachenko would rank among the highest-profile fights of his career. The 31-year-old regained the WBC super featherweight title in May with a majority decision victory over Eduardo Hernandez before successfully defending it against Raymond Ford.
O’Shaquie has consistently called for the biggest available challenges rather than easier voluntary defenses. Facing a fighter with Lomachenko’s pedigree would represent another high-risk opportunity to further strengthen his résumé as champion.
A meeting with Lomachenko would pit one of boxing’s slickest defensive technicians against one of the sport’s most accomplished amateurs. The Ukrainian won world titles in three weight classes, including the WBO super featherweight championship, before moving up to lightweight and later unifying three major titles.
Lomachenko, 38, is expected to return later this year after reversing his retirement decision and entering free agency. While his next opponent remains undecided, Foster has made it clear he is prepared to offer the former three-division champion an immediate shot at the WBC super featherweight title.