Oscar De La Hoya has no doubts who will win the fight between Gervonta Davis and Lomachenko

Vasily Lomachenko recently withdrew from talks with Gervonta Davis, but a promised return in 2025 could mean the duel still takes place.

The Ukrainian won the vacant IBF lightweight world title earlier this year with a win over George Kambosos Jr. Months later, “Tank” Davis defended his WBA belt by knocking out Frank Martin.

Promoter Bob Arum was optimistic about early talks between the two champions before it was announced that Lomachenko had pulled out due to “lack of motivation” to fight again in 2024. His team has made it clear that this is not retirement for the 36-year-old and if he wants more belts when he returns, he will likely have to face Davis anyway.

If that happens, Hall of Fame fighter and current promoter Oscar De La Hoya predicts victories for the youth. In an interview with ES News, De La Hoya said it was “the perfect time” for “Tank” to accept the fight.

“I think it's going to be a good fight, but I think Tank with his youth and with Loma is kind of losing pace, and I don't say that disrespectfully, it just happens, it just happens, time catches up with you. But I think it's the perfect time for Tank to dethrone Lomachenko, but it's going to be a hell of a fight.”

With Lomachenko out, Davis is expected to return in November; his opponent has not yet been determined.

Fans would love to see WBC champion Shakur Stevenson in the opposite corner, but while both are still looking for a dance partner, that fight is likely to be a long time coming as Stevenson is currently in talks to welcome former super featherweight champion Joe Cordina into his division.