Vasyl Lomachenko has officially announced his retirement from boxing at the age of 37, concluding an exceptional career and vacating his IBF world lightweight championship.
Often considered one of the greatest amateur boxers ever, Lomachenko compiled an astonishing record of 396 wins against just one loss, a defeat he later avenged twice. His remarkable amateur journey also included winning two Olympic gold medals, solidifying a significant legacy even before his professional debut in 2013.
Upon turning pro, Lomachenko took the unusual step of challenging for a world title in only his second fight, where he controversially lost a razor-thin split decision to Orlando Salido, who failed to make weight for the bout.
However, Lomachenko quickly bounced back, securing the WBO featherweight title in 2014 by defeating the experienced Gary Russell Jr.
He continued to rise through the weight classes, becoming a two-division champion at 130 pounds with dominant performances against notable fighters like Nicholas Walters and Guillermo Rigondeaux.
His impact at lightweight began with a thrilling clash against Jorge Linares, leading him to capture further titles by defeating Jose Pedraza. He successfully defended his championships against British challengers Anthony Crolla and Luke Campbell.
In recent years, Lomachenko faced tough challenges, experiencing defeats in highly-anticipated bouts against Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney. While these fights delivered high-octane spectacles, they marked a period where his long-held air of invincibility started to diminish.
His final professional appearance was in May 2024, where he secured a dominant 11th-round technical knockout victory over George Kambosos Jr., a fitting end to his decorated career.
Throughout his journey, Lomachenko was guided by his father and trainer, Anatoly Lomachenko. Announcing his decision via social media, Vasyl largely credited his success and life lessons to his father`s profound influence.
In an Instagram post reflecting on his career and his father`s role, he stated:
“I’m thankful that, as my career comes to an end, I’ve gained clarity about the direction a person must take in order to achieve victory.”
“My father not only taught me the art of boxing but how to be a role model for my own children – the same way he has always been for me.”
“I’ve made many mistakes in life, and in the gym, but he has always been by my side.”
