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Vasiliy Lomachenko Reportedly Ending Retirement, Eyes Fall Return
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Vasiliy Lomachenko Reportedly Ending Retirement, Eyes Fall Return

Originally posted on Dice City Sports  |  By Robert LaMar  |  Last updated May 17, 2026 8:54 PM ET
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Vasiliy Lomachenko is reportedly preparing to return to boxing after nearly a year away from the sport, with sources telling The Ring that the former three-division world champion is targeting a comeback later this year.

Lomachenko’s contract with Top Rank officially expired on May 12, making the future Hall of Famer a promotional free agent for the first time in years.

According to reports, the 38-year-old has no interest in comeback tune-up fights and only wants marquee matchups as he closes out his legendary career.

One of the biggest possibilities surrounding Lomachenko’s return is a long-discussed showdown with Gervonta Davis. The two sides were previously in talks for a massive lightweight fight in 2024 before Lomachenko stepped away from the sport because of lingering back issues.

Now, sources indicate those physical problems have improved significantly, opening the door for Lomachenko to pursue one or two final elite-level fights.

A clash with Davis would instantly become one of the sport’s most technically intriguing and commercially valuable matchups.

Lomachenko Left As IBF Champion

Lomachenko last fought in May 2024, when he stopped George Kambosos Jr. in 11 rounds to capture the IBF lightweight championship. Shortly afterward, he announced his retirement amid ongoing health concerns.

Despite stepping away, Lomachenko’s résumé already secured his place among boxing’s modern greats:

  • Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012
  • World titles in three divisions
  • Multiple pound-for-pound rankings over the past decade
  • Elite victories over champions across several eras

Lomachenko turned professional after one of the greatest amateur careers in boxing history and immediately accelerated toward championships. In just his third professional fight, he defeated Gary Russell Jr. to win the vacant WBO featherweight title. His only professional losses came in world title fights:

  • Orlando Salido
  • Teofimo Lopez
  • Devin Haney

Many observers still believe Lomachenko deserved the nod in his controversial defeat to Haney in 2023.

Free Agency Creates Massive Possibilities

Because Lomachenko is now unattached promotional-wise, several blockbuster opportunities could emerge across the boxing landscape.

Potential names include:

  • Gervonta Davis
  • Shakur Stevenson
  • Keyshawn Davis
  • William Zepeda

Even though he is no longer in his prime physically, Lomachenko’s technical brilliance, footwork, and ring IQ still make him one of the sport’s most compelling attractions whenever he fights.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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