--- title: "O'Shaquie Foster Ready to Fight Lomachenko on One Condition: A Tune-Up Fight First" description: "WBC, IBF, and WBO world champion O'Shaquie Foster expressed interest in fighting Vasiliy Lomachenko, but set a condition: the Ukrainian must first take a tune-up fight and regain form." date: 2026-10-30T09:13:16.827Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/foster-condition-for-lomachenko-fight tags: [boxing, vasiliy-lomachenko, oshaquae-foster, wbc, wbo, ibf] author: "Dmitriy Shatolov" publisher: "XAB.info" --- # O'Shaquie Foster Ready to Fight Lomachenko on One Condition: A Tune-Up Fight First ![Professional boxer in a blue and yellow hooded robe posing with a championship belt](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/30/foster-uslovie-dlya-boya-s-lomachenko/foster-uslovie-dlya-boya-s-lomachenko-1.webp) ## Key Points - O'Shaquie Foster (WBC, IBF, WBO super featherweight champion) is interested in fighting Vasiliy Lomachenko. - Foster demands that Lomachenko first take a tune-up fight and regain form after his layoff. - Lomachenko last fought in May 2024 (defeating George Kambosos), announced his retirement in summer 2026, and later confirmed his readiness to return. - Lomachenko's return to the ring is scheduled for February 2027; a convincing win will open negotiations with Foster. WBC, IBF, and WBO super featherweight world champion O'Shaquie Foster has publicly confirmed his interest in a bout with three-division former world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko. However, the American fighter immediately outlined a key condition: the Ukrainian must first take a tune-up fight and regain his form after a lengthy layoff. This was reported by Sport RBC.UA, citing Foster's interview with Ariel Helwani. ### The Champion's Ultimatum: "They Won't Give Me Credit for This Win" Foster explicitly explained why he does not want to face Lomachenko immediately upon his return to the ring. According to him, the Ukrainian's prolonged absence from the sport could devalue a potential victory. "I’m interested, but not right off the couch. He hasn't fought in two or three years. I just don't think I'll get the proper credit for that win," the American stated. That is why he suggested Lomachenko take a tune-up fight first: "I would prefer him to have a tune-up fight first. Since I just fought, it's going to be a minute before I step back in the ring anyway. In that span, let him have a fight, get his feet wet. Then, if everything goes well, we can make a deal. I just don't want any excuses." ### Context: Two Years Out of the Ring and Retirement Announcement Foster's stance is based on the actual timeline of Lomachenko's career. The Ukrainian last stepped into the ring in May 2024, when he defeated George Kambosos. After that fight, he remained inactive for nearly two years and announced his retirement in the summer of 2026. Nevertheless, it was later revealed that Vasiliy is ready to return to the ring despite turning 38. Consequently, before potential negotiations with Foster can begin, the Ukrainian must first prove his competitiveness in a preliminary bout. ### Return Scheduled for February 2027 It was previously reported that Lomachenko's next opponent is already known, with the bout scheduled for February 2027. This timeframe aligns neatly with Foster's logic: the American has a window before his own next fight during which Lomachenko can complete a tune-up bout and regain form. If the Ukrainian wins convincingly, the conditions for title fight negotiations will be met. ### Respect for the Opponent: Foster Believes in Lomachenko's Return Despite his strict condition, Foster holds Lomachenko's boxing skills in high regard and is convinced the Ukrainian can return to a competitive level even after such a long pause. This turns a potential matchup into more than just a formal title defense; it becomes a major sporting event. The world champion does not view Lomachenko as an "easy target" and instead wants his opponent to be in optimal shape by the time they meet. ### What This Means for Future Negotiations Taken together, Foster's statements outline a clear scenario: Lomachenko's tune-up fight in February 2027 will serve as a filter for title fight negotiations. If the Ukrainian wins convincingly and demonstrates his competitiveness, Foster says he is ready to "make a deal." For fans, this means one of the most anticipated matchups of Lomachenko's comeback could happen, but only if he first proves his readiness inside the ring. ## Fact-Check & Sources - ["Мне не засчитают эту победу": чемпион мира выдвинул ультиматум для боя с Ломаченко](https://sport.rbc.ua/ukr/boxing/meni-zarahuyut-tsyu-peremogu-chempion-svitu-1793351302.html) - Primary source: Foster's quotes from an interview with Ariel Helwani, Lomachenko's career timeline (May 2024 - Kambosos, summer 2026 - retirement announcement, February 2027 - return). - [«Мне не засчитают эту победу». Чемпион мира выдвинул ультиматум для боя с Ломаченко](https://sport.nv.ua/boxing/foster-o-vozmozhnom-boe-s-lomachenko-chempion-wbc-vydvinul-uslovie-dlya-poedinka-50654478.html) - Confirms Foster's status as WBC, IBF, WBO super featherweight champion and his record (26-3, 12 KO), as well as Lomachenko's record (18-3, 12 KO). ## FAQ ### Who is O'Shaquie Foster and what weight class is he champion in? O'Shaquie Foster is the WBC, IBF, and WBO super featherweight world champion. He has expressed interest in fighting Vasiliy Lomachenko. ### What condition does Foster set for a fight with Lomachenko? Foster wants Lomachenko to first take a tune-up fight and regain his form after a long layoff before the two sides move on to negotiations. ### When did Lomachenko last fight and when will he return to the ring? Lomachenko's last fight took place in May 2024 against George Kambosos. In summer 2026 he announced his retirement, later confirming his readiness to return, with his comeback scheduled for February 2027.