Vasiliy Lomachenko targets fall comeback at 130-140 pounds

Vasiliy Lomachenko plans to return from retirement later this year, his longtime manager Egis Klimas confirmed to ESPN. The three-division champion, who stepped away from boxing last June, is targeting a fall comeback as a promotional free agent in the 130-to-140-pound range.

Lomachenko, 38, last fought in May 2024 when he stopped George Kambosos Jr. in the 11th round. He announced his retirement a month later, citing back problems and waning motivation. His promotional freedom opens the door to matchups with any fighter across two weight classes, though questions remain about whether nearly two years away from the ring will have dulled his skills.

Shakur Stevenson and Gervonta Davis loom as top options

A clash with WBO junior welterweight champion Shakur Stevenson makes the most sense on paper, ESPN's Andreas Hale writes. Stevenson became a four-division champion by outpointing Teofimo Lopez Jr. in January and has discussed a drop to 135 pounds, where Lomachenko would be comfortable. The fight would pit Stevenson's defensive mastery against Lomachenko's offensive footwork in a battle of pound-for-pound talents.

Another lucrative option is WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis, whose power-punching style contrasts sharply with Lomachenko's technical approach. The fight was discussed in 2024 before Lomachenko's retirement. Davis has not fought since a controversial draw with Lamont Roach Jr. in March 2025 and faces lingering legal issues after a civil suit filed by his ex-girlfriend led to his arrest in January. He has floated retirement recently, making his availability uncertain.

A rematch with Lopez, who handed Lomachenko a unanimous decision loss in 2020, would require a catchweight arrangement. Lopez has moved up to 147 pounds, while Lomachenko has never fought above lightweight. A dream scenario against undisputed junior featherweight champion Naoya Inoue would demand both men meet at 126 pounds, but that remains a long shot given Inoue's current weight class.

Source: espn.com