Vasiliy Lomachenko coming out of retirement and targeting fall return

Vasiliy Lomachenko is a future Hall of Famer who enjoyed one of the greatest amateur careers in history, winning numerous gold medals. After turning professional, the mercurial Ukrainian never shied away from taking on big challenges and moving through the weights. Despite suffering defeats, he won multiple world titles in three different weight classes, announcing his retirement after winning the IBF lightweight title against George Kambosos Jr. Mike Coppinger at The Ring has reported that Lomachenko is coming out of retirement, targeting a fall return this year.

Vasiliy Lomachenko targets 2026 return

During his amateur career, Loma (18-3, 12 KOs) won two Olympic gold medals in Beijing and London, before turning professional to the delight of many. His first world title came in just his third professional appearance, defeating Gary Russell Jr to win the vacant WBO featherweight belt. 

The news of Lomachenko targeting a fall return will be music to the ears of many boxing purists. The mercurial Ukrainian was a joy to watch, with his ballerina-like movement bamboozling his opponents. His foot feints were a nightmare for all opponents, making it difficult to know when he was actually going to throw his combinations. His incredible head movement earned him the nickname “The Matrix.”

Before his retirement, Loma was in talks to face Gervonta Davis in the fall of 2024, but his back troubles ultimately led to the fight not happening and Loma’s retirement the following June.

Vasiliy Lomachenko: What could be next

Lomachenko was promoted by Top Rank, but his contract expired on May 12, making him a promotional free agent. It appears Loma is only interested in big fights, and not tune-ups.

After suffering from back problems, leading to his retirement, The Ring revealed that Loma is feeling much better and is looking for two more marquee fights. Could the Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis fight be revisited? 

Will he work with Top Rank again? Or could we see a huge statement move to Zuffa Boxing? Despite being 38 years old, it will be great to see a healthy and fit Loma back in the ring.