Vasyl Lomachenko granted second medical extension

Vasyl Lomachenko, the Ukrainian phenom who has captured the imagination of boxing fans across the globe, has just been granted a second medical extension for his title defense. This comes after the IBF gave him the green light to push back his return to the ring once again, courtesy of a back injury suffered during training.

Lomachenko, who turns 37 on February 17, isn’t exactly in a hurry to rush back into the ring. The man known for his dazzling footwork and sharp boxing IQ is no stranger to the rigors of professional fighting. His last bout in May 2024 in Sydney, Australia, was a masterclass performance against George Kambosos Jr., a fight that saw him stop the Aussie in the 11th round to snare another world title. However, since that win, Lomachenko’s future in the sport has been up in the air. Would he retire on top, or would he keep fighting? The speculation has swirled, but it looks like Lomachenko isn’t quite ready to hang up his gloves just yet.

This latest extension will allow Lomachenko to keep his IBF lightweight title, but it comes with conditions. To retain the championship, the Ukrainian will need to face either Zaur Abdullaev or Raymond Muratalla by October 8. The IBF has mandated that these two fighters, both undefeated and with impressive knockout records, face off for the Interim title in the meantime. The winner of that clash will get the chance to challenge Lomachenko for the full title, and when that moment arrives, the stakes will be high. Abdullaev, with a 20-1 record and 12 KOs to his name, is no stranger to big fights, and Muratalla, 22-0 with 17 knockouts, is a rising star eager to make a name for himself on the world stage.

For Lomachenko, it’s a delicate balancing act between staying sharp while dealing with injuries and maintaining his position atop the lightweight division. The injury seems to have hit him at an inconvenient time. Just when fans were hoping for a quick return to the ring, his back has forced a delay. But those who have followed Lomachenko’s career know this: he’s not one to take risks. His ability to adjust, even when up against it, has always been part of his charm. He’s not rushing anything, and when he does decide to return, he’ll likely be in a position to put on yet another brilliant performance.

Meanwhile, Lomachenko’s fellow Ukrainian boxer, Denys Berinchyk, has confirmed his next move. Berinchyk, who’s undefeated at 19-0 with 9 KOs, will be defending his WBO world title against the fast-rising American talent Keyshawn Davis (12-0, 8 KOs) in what promises to be an exciting bout. The fight is set for February 14 at Madison Square Garden Theatre in New York, and boxing fans are already buzzing with anticipation. Berinchyk vs. Davis has the makings of a classic, and it’s clear that Lomachenko’s compatriot is determined to follow in his footsteps, aiming for his own moment of glory in the ring.

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As for Lomachenko, the clock is ticking. A second extension is a rare opportunity in boxing, especially for a champion with a career as long and illustrious as his. But when the day finally comes for him to step back into the ring, whether it’s against Abdullaev or Muratalla, don’t expect him to be anything less than the precise, calculating fighter that earned him legendary status in the sport. If this back injury has taught Lomachenko anything, it’s the importance of taking his time, because when he does return, he’ll need to be at his best. The IBF title is on the line, and Lomachenko knows what’s at stake.

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