Lomachenko Ends Retirement, Targets 2027 Return at 130

Vasiliy Lomachenko has ended his retirement and announced plans to return to boxing in 2027 at super featherweight, setting his sights on the winner of the Emanuel Navarrete-O'Shaquie Foster unification fight. The Ukrainian star made the announcement live on DAZN from San Antonio, where Navarrete and Foster met to unify three 130-pound world titles.

Lomachenko said his goal is to go undisputed, which is why he's eyeing whichever fighter walks out of the Navarrete-Foster bout holding the WBO, IBF and WBC straps. He's dropping back down to 130 pounds, a weight he hasn't competed at since he beat Guillermo Rigondeaux there in 2017. Lomachenko said he left for lightweight because 135 was never his ideal weight, and 130 is where he wants to finish his career.

He was candid about the risk of a comeback at his age. Lomachenko turns 39 in February, and he was careful not to get ahead of himself. "During the preparation, it looks very good, but nobody knows what will happen after another month or two of preparation," he said. "We'll see. But right now, everything's good."

Why Lomachenko Is Leaving Lightweight Behind

Lomachenko's last fight came in May 2024, when he stopped George Kambosos Jr. in Australia to capture the IBF lightweight title. A showdown with Gervonta "Tank" Davis was floated after that win but never came together, and Lomachenko instead walked away from the sport entirely. Returning at 130 rather than staying at 135 removes him from a crowded lightweight picture that includes Davis and Shakur Stevenson, and points him straight at a title unification winner who will already hold three belts. That's a direct path to the undisputed status that has eluded him throughout a career that includes two Olympic gold medals and multiple division titles.

Notably, Lomachenko made the announcement at a Top Rank card despite his promotional deal with the company having expired. He fought his entire professional career under the Top Rank banner, and he left the door open to re-signing with them rather than ruling it out.

Betting Angle

A Lomachenko comeback at 39, after sitting out since mid-2024, is the kind of booking oddsmakers will treat cautiously once a date and opponent are locked in. His technical pedigree keeps him live in any fight he takes, but a two-plus year layoff against a fresh unified champion at a lighter weight is a real variable for bettors to track. Whoever emerges from Navarrete-Foster will enter as a very live favorite against a fighter who hasn't boxed in well over a year by the time 2027 arrives, and markets will likely price in both Lomachenko's class and his age and ring rust once the fight is officially made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vasiliy Lomachenko coming out of retirement?

Yes, Vasiliy Lomachenko has confirmed he plans to end his retirement and return to boxing in 2027 at super featherweight (130 pounds).

Who does Lomachenko want to fight when he returns?

Lomachenko said he is targeting the winner of the Emanuel Navarrete vs. O'Shaquie Foster unification bout, who will hold three super featherweight world titles.

What was Lomachenko's last fight?

Lomachenko's last fight was in May 2024, when he stopped George Kambosos Jr. in Australia to win the IBF lightweight title.