Bob Arum: Lomachenko Under Long-Term Deal With Clear Comeback Route Mapped Out

Former three-division world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko has strongly indicated his intention to end his hiatus from boxing, even as specific details surrounding his ring return have remained under wraps.

The 38-year-old Lomachenko has long targeted undisputed status and currently sees a prime opportunity at 130 pounds. On Saturday, O'Shaquie Foster unified three belts in the super featherweight division with a commanding victory over Emanuel Navarrete in San Antonio. While Charly Suarez is Foster's mandatory challenger, influential figures behind the scenes are already working to orchestrate the division's biggest possible matchups.

Top Rank founder Bob Arum, who has guided the Ukrainian star's career since his professional debut in 2013, revealed the plans during an appearance on Dan Rafael's Fight Freaks Unite podcast.

The veteran promoter confirmed reports that Lomachenko vs. Suarez is being targeted for February. He also provided a definitive answer regarding the future of the Ukrainian fighter (18-3, 12 KOs) under the Top Rank banner.

"Yes, yes, yes, yes. We have a long-term contract with him," Arum stated when asked if Lomachenko is remaining with Top Rank.

The first major piece of the undisputed super featherweight puzzle will be contested on December 19 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where fellow titleholder Anthony Cacace meets Nick Ball.

"The winner of that fight will face Foster," Arum explained.

Should the plan come together, the eventual winner emerging from the Lomachenko, Suarez, and Foster bracket will battle for all the belts against the victor of Cacace vs. Ball.

While circumstances in professional boxing can shift rapidly, Arum expressed confidence that his solid partnership with Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions—who handles both Cacace and Ball—will ensure a smooth path through the unofficial unification tournament.