5. Francisco Vargas
Lomachenko mentioned the WBC super-featherweight champion as a desired opponent after he dismantled Nicholas Walters. Vargas is undeniably exciting and considered one of the best at the weight after his tumultuous win over Takashi Miura. He also recently drew with Orlando Salido in another barnburner, though had failed a drug test prior to the fight. Currently sidelined, Vargas would be a decent foe for Lomachenko once he returns given the prestigious world title he holds and his solid status in the division.
4. Terry Flanagan
Lomachenko and his team have also spoken about the possibility of moving to a third weight class and challenging WBO lightweight champion Flanagan – a fight the Mancunian would be happy to take. If Lomachenko were to make such a move and win, he would have become a three-weight world champion in less than 10 fights. What’s more, Flanagan is one of the best lightweights in the world and a fellow southpaw. It would make for an intriguing fight.
3. Orlando Salido
In his second pro fight, Lomachenko was unable to dethrone then WBO featherweight champion Salido and the loss remains the only blemish on his pro record to date. Salido weighed in heavy for the fight and disrupted Lomachenko’s rhythm with rough house tactics. Lomachenko is hell-bent on revenge and with Salido having also moved to super-feather, the pair could meet again.
2. Jorge Linares
Like Flanagan, WBA lightweight champion Linares provides the opportunity at a world title in a third weight division. He also would give Lomachenko the chance to truly prove himself No 1 in a third weight class, given the Venezuelan’s standing as the best at 135lbs. Lomachenko ruled at featherweight, is currently the best at super-featherweight and were he to also claim the top spot at lightweight his place in the history books would be secured. Stylistically it would also guarantee excitement.
1. Manny Pacquiao
A fight between these two pound-for-pound stars was recently mooted after Pacquiao claimed he could drop to 135lbs for a meeting with Lomachenko, who would have to move up slightly. The returning Filipino legend is still a force to be reckoned with and would be Lomachenko’s toughest test to date – but he is also just the sort of scalp that could turn the Ukrainian into a superstar.
