Vasiliy Lomachenko is targeting WBA super featherweight champion Anthony Cacace for his comeback, a move that would put a world title within reach immediately and strengthen his position for an undisputed fight at 130 pounds.
It is an ambitious route for a 38-year-old returning from a long absence. Cacace would make Lomachenko answer the difficult questions about his age and inactivity before he gets anywhere near the winner of Emanuel Navarrete vs. O’Shaquie Foster.
Manager Egis Klimas identified Cacace as a current target and the Navarrete–Foster winner as the larger objective, The Ring reported, citing Brian Custer. No agreement with Cacace has been announced.
Navarrete and Foster meet October 24 in San Antonio with the IBF, WBO and WBC titles at stake. If Lomachenko takes Cacace’s WBA belt, a meeting with that winner would bring all four championships together. That is the appeal of going straight at Cacace rather than spending his return on an opponent who offers little beyond rounds.
The risk is equally clear. Cacace’s height, reach and physical strength would demand sharp footwork from Lomachenko. Getting inside is only part of the job. He would need to land combinations, change his angle, and leave before Cacace makes him pay.
Those movements have been essential to Lomachenko’s success. After the layoff, relying on them against a reigning champion is a substantial bet. Moving back to 130 pounds does not establish that he still has the legs to maintain that style over 12 rounds.
There is also a complication beyond Cacace. The Navarrete–Foster winner faces a WBO mandatory defense within 180 days, with Charly Suarez waiting for his opportunity. Lomachenko’s undisputed ambition would still require those obligations to be resolved.
Beating Cacace would give Lomachenko a belt and a stronger negotiating position. First, he has to show that his championship ambitions match what his body can still deliver.
Read the full article here