The former Ukrainian world champion, Vasyl Lomachenko, is preparing his return to the ring after almost two years of professional inactivity. Although the first reports pointed to a direct duel against Emanuel Navarrete, his team's plan has taken another direction.

The current intention of the management is to hold a preliminary fight before challenging the unified monarch of the WBO and the IBF.

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According to information published by the specialized portal Boxing Scene, the European fighter turned his attention to the Asian Charly Suárez.

An evaluation combat in sight

This intermediate step will serve to measure the Ukrainian's competition pace after his temporary retirement from the sport. “As it has been learned, Vasyl Lomachenko has his sights on the recent contender for the super featherweight title, Charly Suárez, for his return fight after a break of more than two years,” reported the aforementioned media.

The European's work team sees the Filipino as an ideal opponent for this transition stage. “An official informed about Lomachenko's plans said that Vasyl wants to face what he considers a formidable challenge against the undefeated boxer,” added the aforementioned American media.

For this clash to come to fruition, Suárez must first surpass his commitment agreed for July 11 in San Francisco. If the Asian achieves victory in the United States, it will officially become the test that Vasyl Lomachenko is looking for for his return.

The road to the Mexican championship

Only if the Philippine obstacle is overcome would the European team begin formal negotiations with the Mexican champion. “Lomachenko considers that the fight against Suárez is ideal,” explained a source close to the talks to the Boxing Scene portal.

The same source confirmed the roadmap established by the boxer. “According to Lomachenko, in case of victory, he will be able to face the unified super featherweight champion, Emanuel Navarrete,” the sports publication detailed about the former monarch's priorities.

In this way, the dispute for the 130-pound crowns is on hold for the short term. Vasyl Lomachenko chooses to ensure his physical condition before facing one of the most consistent champions of today.