Gervonta vs. Loma: When Are Negotiations and Who is the Favorite?

In the early hours of June 16 in Las Vegas, USA, WBA lightweight (up to 61.2 kg) champion Gervonta Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) successfully defended his title by knocking out Frank Martin in the 8th round.

Even before the fight with Martin, Top Rank founder and CEO Bob Arum stated that negotiations for a bout with IBF champion Vasyl Lomachenko (18-3, 12 KOs) had been ongoing for several weeks and could take place in November this year.

Later, Arum mentioned that a meeting could happen this week, as the parties still need to finalize the details, but both fighters are keen on the bout. The promoter believes that the ideal window for this mega fight would be November-December of this year.

"Gervonta is a very powerful guy, has a good punch, and hasn't fought a tomato can. We're ready for this fight. Lomachenko is ready too. When we sit down at the table, we'll see if it's possible, but Lomachenko would like to have this fight. Davis has reached a position where he's attractive money-wise. A fight with Davis will bring more than a fight with Shakur. Everything is up in the air. There are many opportunities. Good opportunities because they keep everyone busy," said Arum.

Former three-weight world champion Zab Judah picked the favorite for the potential American-Ukrainian showdown.

"I have to go with the punching power," said Judah to Fight Hub TV.

On the other hand, former world champion and now boxing analyst Paulie Malignaggi criticized the Davis-Lomachenko fight.

"They were talking about Lomachenko at the post-fight press conference. Stevenson always mentioned Lomachenko's name. Now Lomachenko is 175 years old, and he still looks great, and Gervonta is talking about Lomachenko at the post-fight press conference. But now Stevenson is the main guy, the risk you're not willing to take. That's the problem. When I wanted to see Davis and Lomachenko – I wanted to see Davis and Lomachenko. I don't want this fight when it's too late. Now I want to see Davis and Stevenson. And guess what? No one is talking about Davis and Stevenson. That's the problem. That's my problem with boxing. They make fights when it's convenient, when there's an advantage," said Malignaggi on ProBox TV.

Like Malignaggi, American sports commentator Stephen A. Smith also wants to see Gervonta face WBC titleholder Shakur Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs) instead of the Ukrainian.

"Why Shakur and not Lomachenko? Lomachenko is a great tactician, a great boxer. He has incredible footwork. He's a very experienced fighter. But the question is, does he have enough punching power to compete with Davis? I don't know if Lomachenko has the power to stop Gervonta Davis, which means he'll either try to outbox Gervonta or try to survive in the ring. That's not the fight I want to see," said Smith to ESPN.