The news struck the boxing world like a bolt from the blue! Vasyl Lomachenko, a two-time Olympic champion in the amateurs and a three-division world champion as a professional, has decided to end his retirement from competition. According to American journalist Mike Coppinger, his return is expected to take place this fall against an opponent yet to be determined.
Lomachenko fought his last official bout in May 2024, when he stopped Australia’s George Kambosos Jr in the eleventh round at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. The Ukrainian dominated the contest with great authority, breaking down the younger rival thanks to excellent body work that ultimately paid off.
After that victory, which allowed Loma to retain the IBF lightweight world title, talks emerged of a possible showdown with American star Gervonta Davis, who reportedly seemed interested in facing the Ukrainian great after years of reluctance. However, Lomachenko’s back problems and a loss of motivation led “Hi-Tech” to announce his retirement.
In the article published by Coppinger in The Ring, a reopening of negotiations with Davis is described as the most likely scenario for the highly anticipated comeback. Gervonta himself has not fought since March 2025, when he fought to a controversial draw against fellow American Lamont Roach. Since then, Davis has been involved in violent incidents outside the ring and remains entangled in serious legal troubles.
Regardless of who his next opponent will be, sources cited by Coppinger say that Loma has already made it clear he does not want any tune-up fights. The Ukrainian intends to face elite-level names immediately, fully aware that at 38 years old he cannot afford to waste too much time.