Lomachenko, Suarez Eye Feb. 13 Bout to Las Vegas
Vasiliy Lomachenko and Charly Suarez are working to finalize a February fight that could set up a title shot at O'Shaquie Foster.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Boxing
Vasiliy Lomachenko and Charly Suarez are expected to finalize an agreement on a Feb. 13 bout, with both sides aiming to stage the fight in Las Vegas. The winner is pegged for a title shot against O'Shaquie Foster.
Why it matters
The matchup pairs a three-division champion returning from a long layoff with an unbeaten challenger, and its winner would receive a shot at Foster, who recently added the WBO and WBA belts to his WBC title. A formal announcement could come as early as this week.
Lomachenko, a two-time Olympic champion, is 18-3 with 12 knockouts, while Suarez is undefeated at 19-0 with 11 knockouts. Lomachenko's most recent bout came in May 2024, and the outcome of the proposed February fight remains unknown.
The players
Vasiliy Lomachenko
A two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-division champion from Ukraine, known for his highly technical southpaw style.
Charly Suarez
A Philippine boxer and recent junior lightweight title challenger who has built an undefeated 19-0 record.
O'Shaquie Foster
A junior lightweight champion who holds the WBC, WBO, and WBA belts following his unanimous decision win over Emanuel Navarrete.
Top Rank
A major boxing promotional company led by Bob Arum that has worked with Lomachenko and is negotiating a multifight deal with him.
The details
Both fighters are waiting to finalize the venue, with each side pushing for Las Vegas. Lomachenko moved toward a multifight agreement with Top Rank after sitting beside promoter Bob Arum at the Foster-Navarrete bout in Texas on Oct. 24.
Timeline
May 2024: Lomachenko won the IBF lightweight belt against George Kambosos Jnr.
May 2025: Suarez fought Emanuel Navarrete to a no-contest.
July: Suarez knocked out Manuel Avila in the first round.
Oct. 24: Foster beat Navarrete by unanimous decision with two knockdowns in Texas.
Feb. 13: Proposed date for the Lomachenko-Suarez bout.
Season Trajectory
Lomachenko's return follows his May 2024 IBF lightweight title win over George Kambosos Jnr., a result that established him as a three-division champion. The proposed Feb. 13 bout would position the winner for a title shot against O'Shaquie Foster, who has recently consolidated three junior lightweight belts.
The winner of a Lomachenko-Suarez fight would move into position for a title shot against Foster, which would shape the junior lightweight title picture. Boxing fans tracking fantasy-style matchups or pay-per-view schedules should watch for a confirmed date and venue.
The takeaway
A confirmed Feb. 13 date would turn this negotiation into a title-chase storyline, so the venue and final contract are the details to watch. Readers following the junior lightweight division should keep an eye on Foster's next opponent.
What happens next
A formal announcement of the Feb. 13 bout could come as early as this week, and the venue has yet to be finalized.
Further reading
For more on the fighters and card scheduling, explore the latest Boxing coverage.
