Vasyl Lomachenko
Announces Retirement!
(June 6th) Yesterday, Vasyl Lomachenko officially announced his retirement.
Born, February 17th, 1988, Vasyl Anatoliyovich Lomachenko, in Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union (now Ukraine), “Loma” one of the most decorated and technically gifted boxers of his generation, has announced his retirement from professional boxing at the age of 37. The Ukrainian champion leaves behind a legacy marked by Olympic glory, world titles across three weight divisions, and a reputation as one of the sport’s most innovative and dominant fighters.
Lomachenko’s, boxing journey began with an extraordinary amateur career. Amassing a staggering record of 396 wins against just one loss, a feat that cements his place among the greatest amateurs in boxing history he won two Olympic Gold Medals for Ukraine. First as a featherweight at the 2008 Beijing Games and then as a lightweight at the 2012 London Olympics. His amateur accolades also include numerous World Championship and European titles, showcasing his dominance on the international stage.
Lomachenko, a southpaw, turned professional in 2013, and his ascent was nothing short of meteoric, claiming the WBO International Featherweight title in his first pro bout with a fourth-round knockout of 25-3 veteran, Jose Luis Ramirez.
Caught still making that necessary amateur to pro adjustments, Lomachenko’s first professional loss came in just his second pro fight, when he faced 41-12-2 veteran Orlando Salido on March 1st, 2014, for the vacant WBO featherweight title in San Antonio, Texas. Salido, who failed to make weight and was stripped of the title at the scales, entered the ring significantly heavier than Lomachenko. The fight itself was a rugged and controversial affair, with Salido employing a highly physical style that included repeated low blows and rough tactics, many of which went unpenalized by the referee. Despite these challenges and Salido’s size advantage, Lomachenko rallied late in the fight, hurting Salido in the final round, but ultimately lost by split decision with scores of 116-112 and 115-113 for Salido, and 115-113 for Lomachenko. The result denied Lomachenko the chance to set a record for winning a world title in just his second professional bout. Many observers noted the controversial nature of the loss, citing Salido’s missed weight and the referee’s leniency regarding fouls as key factors in the outcome.
“Loma” would correct course three months later winning the vacant WBO World Featherweight title with a highly tactical and competitive majority decision win over then unbeaten Gary Allen Russell (24-0).
He tied a boxing record by winning a world title in just his third professional bout and became a three-weight world champion in only 12 fights—an unprecedented achievement in the modern era. Over his 11-year professional career, Lomachenko compiled a record of 18 wins (12 by knockout) and 3 losses.
He captured world titles in the featherweight, super featherweight, and lightweight divisions, earning recognition as a pound-for-pound great. Lomachenko’s unique style—marked by dazzling footwork, defensive mastery, and creative offense—earned him the nicknames "The Matrix" and "Hi-Tech," and made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opponents.
Among Lomachenko’s most memorable professional moments was his victory over George Kambosos Jr. in May 2024, where he claimed the IBF lightweight title with an 11th-round TKO in Perth, Australia. This bout would be his last, as he chose to retire while still at the top of his game.
Lomachenko also faced adversity, including a controversial loss to Devin Haney in 2023 during his quest to reclaim the undisputed lightweight championship. Nevertheless, his resilience and sportsmanship remained hallmarks of his career.
Lomachenko’s impact extended beyond boxing. In 2022, he paused his career to join a territorial defense battalion in Ukraine following the Russian invasion, demonstrating his commitment to his homeland.
In his retirement statement, Lomachenko expressed deep gratitude for his journey, acknowledging the support of his family, fans, and faith. He reflected on the lessons learned from both victory and defeat, emphasizing that true purpose transcends fame and recognition.
The boxing world has responded with admiration to Lomachenko’s retirement. Fellow champions, including Manny Pacquiao, praised him as a once-in-a-generation talent and an entertainer whose influence will be felt for years to come. Promoters and analysts alike have hailed his technical brilliance and competitive spirit, noting that his achievements have set new standards in the sport.
Vasiliy Lomachenko retires as a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a three-division world champion, and a pioneer whose style and accomplishments have inspired a new generation of boxers. His name will remain synonymous with excellence, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of greatness—both inside and outside the ring.
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