Retirement didn’t stick for one of the most enjoyable boxers ever to watch.
Former three-division world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko officially announced his return to professional boxing today (Thurs., Nov. 5, 2026), ending a 17-month retirement.
Lomachenko has entered a multi-year co-promotional partnership with longtime promoter Top Rank through his newly formed company, Loma Power Promotions. The 38-year-old Ukrainian will drop back to Super Featherweight and is expected to return in early 2027.
“I thought I would never step back into the ring again as a boxer,” Lomachenko said in a press release. “But our Lord Jesus Christ had other plans for me.”
The two-time Olympic gold medalist announced his retirement in June 2025, more than one year after stopping George Kambosos Jr. in the 11th round to capture the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) Lightweight championship. Lomachenko walked away with an 18-3 professional record and 12 knockouts.
Now, he’s returning to chase the lone major accomplishment missing from his resume: becoming an undisputed champion.
Lomachenko unsuccessfully challenged Devin Haney for the undisputed Lightweight championship in May 2023, losing a controversial unanimous decision (watch highlights). Rather than return to the crowded 135-pound division, Lomachenko will move back down to 130 pounds, where he previously held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) title.
No opponent or exact return date was included in Thursday’s official announcement. However, Lomachenko could return as early as Feb. 13, 2027, against undefeated contender Charly Suarez, according to The Ring. A victory could position Lomachenko for a showdown with unified champion O’Shaquie Foster later in the year.
Lomachenko will turn 39 in February and will have been out of competition for nearly three years by the time he returns. Still, his experience is almost unmatched. He compiled a reported 396-1 amateur record, captured two Olympic gold medals and won his first professional world championship in just his third fight.
Loma is officially back. Now, we find out how much magic he has left.
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