It is understood that talks between Bob Arum’s Top Rank (who promote Lomachenko) and Al Haymon’s PBC (who represent Davis) were progressing well for a November fight date.

However, the Ukrainian slickster has opted to take some time out of boxing and won’t return to the ring until 2025.

Davis’ team was understandably taken aback by Lomachenko’s response, who has always sought the biggest fights possible during his 21-fight (18-3) pro career.

But instead of sitting around and waiting for Loma, Davis’ co-trainer Kenny Ellis has indicated that they may target a fight with WBC champion Shakur Stevenson next.

Speaking to Mill City Boxing, he said: “He [Loma] is straight ducking… Hopefully, Shakur won’t duck.

“They keep saying that Tank is ducking Shakur, let’s see. Him and Lomachenko are the only ones left.”

Asked what Davis would do if a fight with Stevenson or Lomachenko can’t be made by next year, Ellis added: “It’s up to Tank and what he wants to do but he might retire.

“If he does I support that, whatever he does I’ll support it. If he said let’s get the next one, I’ll support it.”

This comes after Lomachenko’s manager told boxing reporter Steve Kim: “Loma is not in the mood right now.

“He doesn’t have the motivation at the moment. He’s taking off, he wants to spend more time with the family.

“He doesn’t want to do anything until the end of the year. So he’s definitely not coming to the ring until the end of the year…

“With Loma, just money is not what motivates him. He doesn’t take anything just because of money.

“You can offer him millions, tens of millions of dollars – if he doesn’t have motivation, he’s not ready to prepare for the fight.”