Retirement didn’t stay for one of the most enjoyable boxers to ever watch.
Former three-division world champion Vasily Lomachenko officially announced his return to professional boxing today (Thursday, November 5, 2026), ending a 17-month retirement.
Lomachenko has signed a multi-year partnership with longtime promoter Top Rank through his newly formed company, Loma Power Promotions. The 38-year-old Ukrainian will drop back down to super featherweight and is expected to return in early 2027.
“I thought I would never step into the ring again as a boxer,” Lomachenko said in a press release. “But our Lord Jesus Christ had other plans for me.”
Now he returns to chase the one major achievement missing from his resume: becoming the undisputed champion.
Lomachenko unsuccessfully challenged Devin Haney for the Undisputed Lightweight Championship in May 2023, losing a controversial unanimous decision (watch the highlights). Instead of returning to the crowded 135-pound division, Lomachenko will drop back down to 130 pounds, where he previously held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) title.
Thursday’s official announcement did not include an opponent or a specific return date. However, Lomachenko can return as early as February 13, 2027, against an undefeated candidate Charlie Suarezrespectively A ring. A win could put Lomachenko in contention with a unified champion O’Shaquie Foster later in the year.
Lomachenko turns 39 in February and has been out of competition for nearly three years by the time he returns. Nevertheless, his experience is almost unmatched. He compiled a reported amateur record of 396-1, won two Olympic golds and won his first pro 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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