Goodbye to the boxing star world champion in 3 different weight divisions and double olympic champion

Vasyl Lomachenko (18-3-0, 12 KOs) is hanging up his gloves and bidding farewell to boxing. The Ukrainian fighter has decided to retire at the age of 37, closing the book on a storied career that saw him become a world champion in three weight divisions—featherweight, super featherweight, and lightweight.

“I am grateful for every victory and every defeat, both in and out of the ring. As my career comes to an end, I’ve found clarity about the path a person must follow to achieve true victory—not just inside the ring,” Lomachenko shared in a statement on social media.

Lomachenko excelled at every level, both as an amateur and a professional. In the amateur ranks, he compiled an astonishing record of 396 wins and just one loss. That lone—and controversial—defeat came at the hands of Russia’s Albert Selimov during the 2007 World Championships in Chicago. He also captured two Olympic gold medals: one in Beijing in 2008, and another in London in 2012.

' I have so many fond memories... losses only made us stronger’

Renowned for his dazzling technique and ring IQ, Lomachenko turned professional in 2013. Remarkably, he became a world champion in three different weight classes within just 12 fights. Though he suffered his first professional loss in only his second bout—fighting for the WBO featherweight title—he rebounded with 13 straight victories. That streak ended when a rising Teofimo López (22-1-0, 13 KOs) outpointed him to claim the undisputed lightweight title, which included belts Lomachenko had previously won at featherweight and super featherweight.

“I thank God for my honest, wonderful, and kind parents. My father not only taught me boxing but also how to be a role model for my children. I made many mistakes, both in life and in the gym, but he was always by my side. I have so many fond memories. To my family—you were always there for me. You shared in my triumphs and felt the pain of my defeats. Those losses only made us stronger,” he added.

Lomachenko later attempted to reclaim his titles against the undefeated Devin Haney (32-0-0, 15 KOs), but lost in another controversial bout, with the judges unanimously siding with the American.

Throughout his career, Lomachenko defeated several top-tier opponents, including Gary Russell Jr. (31-2-0, 18 KOs), Jorge Linares (47-9-0, 29 KOs), and Anthony Crolla (35-7-3, 13 KOs), among others. In his final appearance in the ring, he reclaimed the IBF lightweight title by stopping George Kambosos (22-3-0, 10 KOs) via 11th-round TKO.

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Despite speculation about future title defences, the Ukrainian ultimately chose to walk away. A year after his last fight, Lomachenko—widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted boxers of his generation—leaves behind a legacy few can match.

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