Vasiliy Lomachenko returns to Top Rank – fight date and opponent teased

Three-division world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Vasiliy Lomachenko is back. The mercurial Ukrainian is returning to professional boxing, and his comeback has now been rubber-stamped with a multi-year co-promotional agreement with Top Rank through his newly formed Loma Power Promotions. Loma announced his retirement in June 2025, but is now returning at super featherweight, with Dan Rafael once again teasing the rumoured opponent and fight date.

Vasiliy Lomachenko returns to Top Rank with fight date and opponent teased

Top Rank promoted Loma throughout his professional career, right from his professional debut in 2013, against Jose Luis Ramirez. Lomachenko (18-3, 12 KOs) memorably became a featherweight world champion in just his third pro fight, defeating Gary Allen Russell Jr. He knocked out Roman Martinez to win the WBO 130 title, before later moving up to lightweight, where he beat Jorge Linares to win the WBA (super) and Ring Magazine lightweight titles, before going on to beat Jose Pedraza to win the WBO belt.

He later narrowly fell short in his bid for undisputed 135-pound glory against Devin Haney in May 2023. His last fight was against George Kambosos Jr in May 2024, a bout Loma dominated to capture the IBF lightweight title. A rumoured fight against Gervonta Davis fell through, and retirement followed. However, the Ukrainian is now back with Top Rank, and back at 130-pounds, chasing undisputed glory.

Top Rank chairman Bob Arum recently spoke to Fight Freaks Unite and confirmed: “Loma is gonna fight Suarez. That’s pretty well done (for) February.”

“We’re gonna have a long-term deal,” Arum said. “Whoever wins that fight (between Lomachenko and Suarez) would fight Foster sometime in the spring or summer of next year. And whoever wins that fight between Loma and Foster would then fight the guy who has the other title.” The WBA champion is Anthony Cacace, who is due to defend his title against Nick Ball later this year.

Vasiliy Lomachenko and Bob Arum have their say

He won world titles at featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight. Despite losing three fights, his ability to go through the weights, even as a smaller southpaw, just highlighted what a magician he was.

Looking ahead to Loma’s return, Bob Arum said: “Vasiliy is one of the most gifted fighters I’ve ever promoted, and I’m delighted he’s returning to the ring.”

“He’s accomplished so much, but he’s determined to become undisputed. There’s tremendous talent at super featherweight, and we’re looking forward to working with Loma Power Promotions to put on some terrific fights,” added the Top Rank chairman.

Lomachenko also spoke on his return back to professional boxing: “God works in mysterious ways. I thought I would never step back into the ring again as a boxer. But our Lord Jesus Christ had other plans for me. I’m happy to be living this boxing life once again. I’m grateful to everyone who is once again part of this journey.

“Special respect and gratitude to Egis, who, despite my firm belief that my boxing career was over, never stopped believing that we would step into the ring again. He put in a tremendous amount of work and effort to get us back in the race,” said the Ukrainian.

The Big Fight Weekend verdict on Vasiliy Lomachenko

Loma was a decorated amateur, compiling an outstanding record of 396-1, winning gold medals at two World Championships, in addition to two Olympic gold medals (2008 and 2012). He was brilliant throughout his professional career, and dared to be great, moving through the weights, chasing the bigger fights. Now he’s back at his best weight, and big fights beckon.

According to Dan Rafael, his comeback fight is slated to be against Charly Suarez on February 13. Having Loma back in the sport, even at 38, is a huge boost, and one fans should be anticipating. How much he has left remains to be seen, but the comeback fight will tell us a lot, and if undisputed glory is close.

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