Lomachenko took off his gloves: star boxer says goodbye to the ring after 12 years in professional sports
5 June 2025 21:36
On June 5, Ukrainian boxer Vasyl Lomachenko officially announced the end of his professional career. He announced this in a video message posted on his Facebook page, which is currently inaccessible from the territory of Ukraine, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
“Every boxer has a day when he hangs up his gloves. This day has come for me,” Lomachenko said.
In his address, the boxer thanked God, his father and coach Anatoliy Lomachenko, his family, team and the United States, but did not mention Ukraine, Ukrainian fans or the ongoing war in the country.
Lomachenko’s professional career lasted almost 12 years. During this time, he won 18 victories, 12 of which were by knockout, and suffered three defeats. He had his last fight in May 2024 in Australia, defeating George Kambosos Jr.
Lomachenko is the IBF and IBO world champion. In 2012, he also became a two-time Olympic champion in Beijing and London.
The boxer is known for his religiosity and affiliation with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he has made virtually no public statements about the war, which has repeatedly caused a wave of criticism on social media.
In conclusion, Lomachenko did not announce any further plans, but made it clear that he was ending his career for good.
Vasyl Lomachenko’s sporting career is one of the most colorful in the history of Ukrainian and world boxing.
Amateur career
Two-time Olympic champion:
2008 – gold in Beijing (weight category up to 57 kg)
2012 – gold in London (up to 60 kg)
World (2009) and European (2008) amateur champion.
Record in amateurs: 396 victories and only 1 defeat (which he successfully revenged).
Recognized as the best amateur boxer of his time.
Professional career (2013-2024)
Debut: October 2013, victory by knockout.
Total fights: 21
Victories: 18 (including 12 by knockout)
Defeats: 3
Last fight: May 2024 – victory over George Kambosos (Australia) and winning the IBF and IBO titles.
Titles and achievements
- World champion in three weight categories:
- Featherweight (up to 57 kg)
- Lightweight (up to 61.2 kg)
- Secondary titles in the first lightweight
Champion by versions:
- WBO
- WBA (Super)
- WBC
- The Ring
- IBF
- IBO (2024)
One of the fastest boxers in history to win a championship belt in just 3 fights (repeating the world record).
He is known for his unique style: excellent technique, footwork, and intellectual boxing, which is why he was called “The Matrix”.
He is an active member of the UOC-MP, which is why he was repeatedly criticized after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
He hardly ever commented publicly on the war in Ukraine.
In 2022-2023, he served for some time in the terrorist defense in Odesa region, although the media coverage was limited.
