Lomachenko Confirms Return After 17-Month Layoff

Vasiliy Lomachenko is coming back. The former three-division titleholder announced Thursday he will resume his professional boxing career after stepping away 17 months ago.

MMA Mania reports that Lomachenko, 38, has signed a multi-year co-promotional agreement linking Top Rank with his own newly established outfit, Loma Power Promotions. The Ukrainian will campaign at 130 pounds and is expected to fight in the opening months of 2027. Lomachenko cited religious faith as the reason for his change of heart, stating in a release that Jesus Christ had different plans than the permanent exit he imagined.

featherweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">Super Featherweight Return Aims At Undisputed Glory

Lomachenko left the sport in June 2025, holding an 18-3 record with 12 stoppages. His final bout before retirement saw him knock out George Kambosos Jr. in round 11 to claim the vacant IBF lightweight strap. He walked away as a two-time Olympic gold medalist with a reported 396-1 amateur ledger and world titles in three weight classes.

The comeback revolves around one unfinished mission: capturing all four major belts in a single division. Lomachenko challenged Devin Haney for the undisputed lightweight titles in May 2023 but lost a disputed unanimous verdict. Instead of pursuing another opportunity at 135 pounds, he will drop back to super featherweight, where he previously wore WBO gold.

According to The Ring, Lomachenko could meet unbeaten contender Charly Suarez on February 13, 2027. A victory in that fight would likely set up a title clash with O'Shaquie Foster, who holds unified belts at 130 pounds. Lomachenko will be 39 by then and nearly three full years removed from active competition.

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• MMA Mania — He’s back! Vasiliy Lomachenko officially ends retirement, targets undisputed crown