Vasiliy Lomachenko coming out of retirement all of a sudden and back to boxing but who will the Ukrainian fight? What weight?
It looks as though he’s coming back shortly because his contract with Bob Arum is up basically.
And that’s why he wasn’t boxing the last two years or so since defeating George Kambosos.
Essentially leaving him free to fight better fights now without no longer relevant Arum.
Vasiliy Lomachenko Return From Retirement
We discussed a possible Shakur Stevenson fight earlier, but here’s some more credible opponents:
- Gervonta “Tank” Davis – 135 lbs lightweight. Long-discussed fight is back on now
- Raymond Muratalla – 135 lbs lightweight. Current IBF champ after Loma vacated
- Abdullah Mason – 135 lbs lightweight. New 135-lb titleholder since Loma’s last fight
- Jadier Herrera – 135 lbs lightweight. Another new champion at 135
- William Zepeda – 135 lbs lightweight. Called the “most logical option” for Loma
- Andy Cruz – 135 lbs lightweight. Olympic gold medalist listed for Loma’s return
- Devin Haney – 140/147 lbs super lightweight/welterweight. Beat Loma in 2023. Now at higher weights
For those new to boxing as well, some info on who Lomachenko is and what he’s been doing during the last two years away from pro boxing:
Who is Vasiliy Lomachenko for those new to boxing
- Two-time Olympic gold medalist – Won for Ukraine at Beijing 2008 and London 2012
- Three-division world champion – Held titles at featherweight, super featherweight, and lightweight
- Elite technician – Known for crazy footwork, angles, and speed. 18-3 record, 12 KOs
- Famous amateur record – Went 396-1 as an amateur, considered one of the best ever
What he’s been doing since away from boxing:
- Last fought May 2024 – Beat George Kambosos Jr by TKO in 11 rounds to win IBF lightweight title
- Announced retirement June 2025 – Cited emotional exhaustion and loss of motivation after not becoming undisputed champ
- Dealt with a back injury – It derailed a planned fall 2024 fight vs Gervonta Davis and factored into retiring
- Became a promotional free agent – His Top Rank contract expired May 12, 2026
- Now planning fall 2026 comeback – Says his back feels better and he only wants “big fights, no tune-ups”
Alas, it will be intriguing to see him back soon and if he does comeback, what weight.
Here’s how a possible Lomachenko vs Shakur Stevenson might play out.
