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Vasiliy Lomachenko is ending his retirement and plans to return to boxing this fall as a free agent. He aims for significant fights without any preliminary bouts.
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May 2, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Vasyl Lomachenko celebrates following the fight against Gamalier Rodriguez (not pictured) during their WBO featherweight championship bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Vasiliy Lomachenko is coming out of retirement. The three-weight world champion is targeting a return this fall, per The Ring's Mike Coppinger, with only big fights on his mind. No tune-ups. No filler opponents. At 38 years old, Lomachenko is not interested in easing back in.
His contract with Top Rank expired May 12, making him a promotional free agent. That opens the door to a wide range of matchups across promotions, and it adds a layer of intrigue to whatever comes next.
Lomachenko last fought in May 2024, stopping George Kambosos Jr. in 11 rounds to claim the IBF lightweight title. Shortly after, a back injury derailed plans for a fall showdown with Gervonta "Tank" Davis, and by the following June he had announced his retirement.
His back is reportedly feeling much better now, and he plans to fight a couple more times before he's done for good. The Tank Davis fight could still be on the table. Lomachenko holds a record of 18-3 with 12 knockouts. All three of his losses came in title fights by decision, against Orlando Salido, Teofimo Lopez, and Devin Haney. Even through those defeats, he remained a fixture on pound-for-pound lists for over a decade.
He is a two-time Olympic gold medalist for Ukraine, winning in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012, before turning pro and claiming a world title in just his third professional fight.
What comes next is unclear, but the lightweight division just got a lot more interesting.
Vasiliy Lomachenko is motivated to return to boxing for big fights, indicating he has no interest in easing back in with minor opponents.
Being a promotional free agent allows Lomachenko to explore a variety of matchups across different promotions after his contract with Top Rank expired.
Lomachenko is targeting a return to the ring this fall.
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