Lomachenko Eyes Cacace for Undisputed, Faces Wait

Vasiliy Lomachenko is targeting Anthony Cacace for a world title fight at 130 pounds, but the WBA champion's crowded schedule means the Ukrainian star's path to that fight runs through someone else first.

Lomachenko wants to add Cacace's WBA super featherweight belt to his resume as part of a push to become undisputed champion in the division, but Cacace is already booked to defend against Nick Ball on December 19 in Belfast. The WBA has also ordered that the winner of that fight face mandatory challenger Elnur Samedov, which means a Lomachenko fight would not be next even if Cacace gets past Ball. Lomachenko's own comeback is being planned for November 20 in Las Vegas, with no opponent named for that date.

Why Lomachenko Can't Just Book Cacace Next

The math here is straightforward and not in Lomachenko's favor. Cacace has a voluntary defense against Ball to get through first, and the WBA's mandated follow-up is Samedov, not Lomachenko. That means Lomachenko winning his Las Vegas comeback on November 20 would not clear a path to Cacace. It would only put him back in the win column while the WBA's title queue plays out independently. Lomachenko could end up needing a second fight after his comeback just to stay ready for whenever Cacace's obligations are settled.

There's a silver lining for Lomachenko in the delay. Coming back at 130 pounds after a long layoff carries its own risk, and a tune-up style return in Las Vegas lets him shake off ring rust before stepping into a title fight with real stakes. It also buys his team time to see whether Cacace survives both Ball and the Samedov mandatory with the belt still in hand.

What It Means for the Betting Markets

Nothing about this situation moves a betting line yet, since Lomachenko has no confirmed opponent for November 20 and any Cacace fight remains further down the road. The more interesting market to watch in the short term is Cacace-Ball on December 19, which now carries extra weight as a gatekeeper fight for Lomachenko's undisputed plans as much as it does for the WBA belt itself. Once Lomachenko's Las Vegas opponent is announced, expect his line to open as a solid favorite given his standing as a three-weight world champion, but bettors with an eye on the bigger picture should be watching Belfast in December, not just Las Vegas in November.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vasiliy Lomachenko fighting Anthony Cacace next?

Not yet. Vasiliy Lomachenko is targeting Anthony Cacace for a WBA super featherweight title fight, but Cacace is scheduled to defend against Nick Ball on December 19 in Belfast before any Lomachenko fight could happen.

When is Vasiliy Lomachenko's comeback fight?

Vasiliy Lomachenko's return is being planned for November 20 in Las Vegas, though no opponent has been announced for that date.

Who does Anthony Cacace have to fight after Nick Ball?

The WBA has ordered that the winner of Anthony Cacace's December 19 fight against Nick Ball must next face mandatory challenger Elnur Samedov, which would delay any Lomachenko title fight.