Vasiliy Lomachenko to return as Top Rank contract expires: Big fight options

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 20: Vasyl Lomachenko of Ukraine looks on against Devin Haney during their undisputed lightweight title bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 20, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Vasiliy Lomachenko has changed his mind about the retirement that was announced just under a year ago, on the day his contract with Top Rank expired, according to Mike Coppinger of The Ring.

The Ring said on social media that Lomachenko is “seeking the biggest fights possible” as a promotional free agent.

Now 38, Lomachenko (18-3, 12 KO) hasn’t fought since routing and stopping George Kambosos Jr two years ago yesterday, which saw Lomachenko win the IBF title that was later vacated, and is now held by Raymond Muratalla.

A year before beating Kambosos, Lomachenko lost a close and debated decision to Devin Haney.

The Ukrainian star is definitely past his very best days, as pretty much all fighters and athletes are at age 38, but his skills have still looked sharp in recent fights, and he could be an interesting addition to the lightweight ranks, or even going back down to 130, perhaps, as he’s always been a little small fighting at lightweight. Lomachenko’s moves up from 126 to 130 and then 130 to 135 were mainly about securing bigger fights.

Potential big fights for Lomachenko

The title scene at 135 right now is dominated by Top Rank, who have both the IBF (Muratalla) and WBO (Abdullah Mason) titles in-house. The WBA belt is tentatively held by Gervonta “Tank” Davis, who would definitely be a money fight for Lomachenko if, indeed, Davis fights again, and the WBC title remains vacant for the time being.