Vasiliy Lomachenko Granted Medical Exception

Originally posted on Fights Around The World
By Abraham Gonzalez | Last updated Jan 10, 2025 3:24 PM ET

On Friday morning, the IBF announced they granted a medical exception for their lightweight champion, Vasiliy Lomachenko (18-3, 12 KOs). This was after the 35-year-old Ukrainian champion requested a medical exemption on November 14, which was due to expire on January 11. The IBF received medical documentation that stated Lomachenko needed more time to recover from the undisclosed medical condition. The IBF approved the exception, but stipulations were implemented if Lomachenko could not defend his title by October 8.

The IBF Directors met and determined that Vasyl Lomachenko‘s exception request shall be granted with the following conditions:

The IBF will order #2 ranked Lightweight contender Zaur Abdulaev to immediately commence negotiations with #4 ranked Lightweight contender Raymond Muratalla for the IBF Interim Lightweight title.
Vasyl Lomachenko must defend the IBF Lightweight title against the Interim Champion by October 8, 2025. If the Champion is unable to defend the title against the interim champion by the end of the time permitted under the exception, then the interim champion shall become the champion pursuant to Rule 16.E.
The IBF will not grant any further requests to delay the Mandatory defense of the IBF Lightweight title.

Lomachenko was last seen in May of last year when he scored a dominant TKO victory over George Kambosos Jr. in Perth, Australia. There have been rumors that Lomachenko was contemplating retirement after a failed attempt to make the fight with WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis . This latest medical exception kicks the can down the road even further, making any decision on his future delayed until at least later this year.

This article first appeared on Fights Around The World and was syndicated with permission.

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