Vasiliy Lomachenko ends retirement, targets 2027 boxing comeback

“The Matrix” is back.

More than a year after announcing his retirement from boxing, Ukraine’s Vasiliy Lomachenko has officially confirmed his return to professional boxing on Nov. 5, 2026 (Nov. 6, Philippine time).

The development came after the three-division world champion announced a multiyear co-promotional agreement between Top Rank and his newly formed Loma Power Promotions.

“Vasiliy is one of the most gifted fighters I’ve ever promoted,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum.

“I’m delighted he’s returning to the ring. He’s accomplished so much, but he’s determined to become undisputed. We’re looking forward to working with Loma Power Promotions to put on some terrific fights.”

It has been nearly two and a half years since Lomachenko last stepped into the ring, with his most recent fight taking place on May 12, 2024, when he scored an 11th-round technical knockout victory over George Kambosos Jr. to capture the vacant IBF lightweight title.

However, Lomachenko stunned the boxing world after announcing his retirement in June 2025, leaving behind an impressive professional record of 18 wins, three losses and 12 knockouts.

Before retiring, Lomachenko had fallen short of his goal of becoming the undisputed lightweight champion following a controversial unanimous decision loss to Devin Haney in May 2023.

While many boxing analysts and fans believed Lomachenko had done enough to win because of his ring generalship and work rate, all three ringside judges scored the bout in favor of Haney, allowing the American to retain his undisputed lightweight championship.

Now ready to return to the ring, Lomachenko is targeting a comeback fight in early 2027 as he pursues the undisputed world championship that has eluded him throughout his professional career.

Lomachenko will return to the super featherweight division at 130 pounds, explaining in an interview with DAZN that the 135-pound lightweight division was not his natural weight class.

His potential comeback opponents include Filipino contender Charly Suarez, whom Arum has identified as a possible opponent before Lomachenko pursues another world title opportunity.

However, no official opponent, fight date or venue has been announced.

“God works in mysterious ways,” Lomachenko said in a statement.

“I thought I would never step back into the ring again as a boxer. But our Lord Jesus Christ had other plans for me. I’m happy to be living this boxing life once again. I’m grateful to everyone who is once again part of this journey.”