Top Rank Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum has revealed clear plans for the future of multi-division world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko. Following O’Shaquie Foster’s tactical victory over Emanuel Navarrete over the weekend, Arum shared his immediate thoughts on the championship landscape, Foster’s performance, and Lomachenko’s impending return to the squared circle.
Lomachenko, who was present ringside at the event to take in the action firsthand, used the occasion to announce his intended comeback. Building on that momentum, Arum has mapped out a strategic two-step path for the Ukrainian legend: an initial tune-up fight against Charly Suarez, followed by a high-stakes showdown against Foster by the middle of next year.
Arum on Foster’s Win Over Navarrete
The weekend’s marquee matchup saw O’Shaquie Foster put on a masterclass of discipline and skill to overcome the relentless and unorthodox pressure of Emanuel Navarrete. Navigating Navarrete’s wide array of punches and unpredictable offensive angles is notoriously difficult for any fighter, but Foster handled the puzzle with poise.
Arum offered high praise for the tactical execution displayed by Foster during the bout.
"It was a good fight and Shaquie fought a very disciplined fight, and because Navarrete is not the easiest guy to fight because he comes from so many different angles," Arum reflected. "I had [Foster] slightly ahead going into the last round, and then the last round was three points, so it was a good victory."
The hard-fought win further cements Foster’s status as a premier force in the lower weight divisions, catching the attention of top promoters and setting the stage for lucrative championship opportunities ahead.
On the Potential to Match Foster Against Lomachenko Next Year
With Foster holding a prominent position in the championship picture and Lomachenko preparing to step back under the lights, Top Rank is already laying the groundwork for a blockbuster encounter in 2027. However, Arum emphasized that both fighters will take interim steps before colliding in the ring.
"Well, they are going to fight other people, and Loma will fight probably Charly Suarez, and then hopefully in mid-year they can fight each other," Arum stated.
The prospective matchup between the technically sublime Lomachenko and the razor-sharp, defensive wizardry of Foster represents one of the most compelling stylistic puzzles in modern boxing. If both athletes successfully navigate their respective paths over the coming months, the mid-year clash could stand out as one of the definitive bouts of the calendar year.
On Lomachenko’s Return to Boxing
Questions regarding Lomachenko’s competitive future have circulated following his extended break from the sport, but Arum put those uncertainties to rest. According to the veteran promoter, the former pound-for-pound kingpin has maintained himself in immaculate physical condition and is deeply driven by a renewed hunger to compete.
"He’s in good shape and he misses it, and he’s been in Puerto Rico working in the gym, and so he feels strong and ready to come back," Arum said.
Lomachenko’s dedication to his craft has never been in question, and his training camp in Puerto Rico signals that he is taking his physical preparation seriously ahead of his comeback. Arum also took a moment to express his enduring admiration for the fighter and his inner circle.
"I have great respect for him, and he and his father understand boxing more than I ever will," Arum acknowledged.
On What Big Fights Could Be There for Loma
As Lomachenko prepares to resume his illustrious career, his goals are entirely focused and singular. Rather than chasing exhibition bouts or moving up and down across various weight classes carelessly, the Ukrainian great has zeroed in on a specific division with clear championship aspirations.
"He wants 130 and he wants to unify all the belts," Arum revealed. "So he hasn’t any aspirations other than 130."
The junior lightweight division currently houses some of the most elite talent in the sport, and a campaign aimed at capturing and unifying the 130-pound championships offers a grueling yet legacy-defining challenge. With a targeted return fight against Charly Suarez acting as the gateway, followed by a potential blockbuster against O’Shaquie Foster by mid-year, Lomachenko’s final chapter in boxing promises high-stakes drama and elite-level competition.
