Vasiliy Lomachenko plans to return to the boxing ring for a big fight in 2025. The Ukrainian fighter won't compete this year, choosing instead to spend time with his family in war-torn Ukraine.
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum shared this update after meeting with Lomachenko and his father in Los Angeles. Arum told Maestro A on YouTube:
"I had lunch in LA with Vasiliy and his father before they headed back to Ukraine. He told me, 'Bob, I fought a lot. I'm an older fighter. I want to go back to Ukraine to spend time with my family' – cause there's a war going on in Ukraine. Sometime next year we'll be talking to do a major fight. So he's not retired, he's going to come back next year."
Lomachenko, 36, became the lightweight world champion earlier this year. He beat George Kambosos Jr to win the IBF belt, becoming the first fighter to stop the Australian.
Talks for a unification bout with WBA champion Gervonta Davis fell through. Lomachenko didn't want to fight again this year, prioritizing time with his family in Ukraine.
While Lomachenko takes a break, the lightweight division keeps moving. WBC champion Shakur Stevenson faces Joe Cordina on October 12. Davis will defend his WBA title on November 2 against an opponent yet to be named.
As for Lomachenko's IBF belt, William Zepeda is the number one contender but might go after Stevenson's WBC title instead. The number two spot belongs to Keyshawn Davis. Davis will defend that position against Gustavo Lemos on November 8 in Norfolk, Virginia.
Fans want to see the champions face each other if they keep their belts. For now, they'll have to wait until 2025 to see Lomachenko back in action.
