Talk of a potential meeting between their respective weight divisions of welterweight and 135 pounds has filled news reports since Pacquiao regained the 147 pound crown from Lucas Matthysse last week.
When asked his views on Pacquiao v Lomachenko taking place at super-lightweight, Klimas stopped any chance dead when stating the Ukrainian would not be moving up in any further after beginning his career at featherweight in 2013 and moving up rapidly ever since.
“We have no interest (in fighting at 140 pounds),” Klimas told Yahoo Sports.
“If Pacquiao can make 135, to come in and compete for the WBA title, Vasyl is the champion in that weight class, it’s a possibility.”
“If we are talking 137 and 136, no, there will be no catchweight. If he wants to challenge, he needs to come down.
“We are not looking to go to 140 pounds. If Manny Pacquiao wants to fight Lomachenko, he can make 135 pounds (or nothing),” he added.
Despite becoming a three-division ruler in just over four years in the paid ranks, Lomachenko seems set to cash in his chips and avoid an attempt at the 140 crown for now.
Pacquiao’s lack of a title at 140 could be the main reason for Klimas not showing interest in the fight at the higher stipulation as Lomachenko’s last eleven bouts have all been with some version of a world strap at stake.
Speaking to the World Boxing Association may be wise for Klimas and Pacquiao’s representatives though, as the WBA ‘super’ version at super-lightweight is currently vacant since Terence Crawford headed north.
There’s a huge possibility of Gilberto Mendoza sanctioning a Pacquiao v Lomachenko fight for that available title, meaning it could just come down to whether a change of heart happens.
Back in May, Pacquiao exclusively informed WBN dropping back to 135 would be very difficult despite massive interest in facing the amateur legend.
“Yes, of course, we are interested in that fight,” Pacquiao exclusively told World Boxing News.
“Vasyl Lomachenko just beat Jorge Linares and he has the lightweight belt now.
“Why not fight again in America? I have always been a fighter. If a good fight can be made anywhere, we will be there to accept this fight.
On the weight stipulation, he added: “I could take a fight with Lomachenko at 135, but that would be pushing me to my limits.”
