Vasiliy Lomachenko plots ring return in pursuit of undisputed glory

Vasiliy Lomachenko has announced plans to return to the ring in 2027 in a final bid to achieve his ultimate dream of becoming an undisputed world champion.

The former three-division world champion walked away from the sport in June 2025 at the age of 37, hampered by injuries and dwindling motivation after falling short of unifying all four lightweight titles.

Many felt Lomachenko should have reached that pinnacle back in 2023 when he challenged Devin Haney for undisputed lightweight supremacy. Instead, he suffered a highly controversial unanimous decision defeat, leaving the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas visibly heartbroken.

A year later, Lomachenko returned to winning ways by defeating George Kambosos Jr. to claim the vacant IBF lightweight strap following Haney's move up to super lightweight. However, with the division's remaining belts scattered and an undisputed unification looking increasingly distant, the Ukrainian opted to retire.

Now, at 38, his mindset has shifted completely.

The Ukrainian was never a natural lightweight, having spent the majority of his career in lower divisions. For his return, he plans to campaign at super featherweight (130 lbs), where he captured the WBO world title in 2016 and successfully defended it four times.