Vasiliy Lomachenko Announces Retirement
At the age of 37, Vasiliy Lomachenko has declared his retirement from the sport of boxing, capping off a storied career highlighted by accolades such as being a three-weight world champion and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, having triumphed in 2008 and 2012. His final match occurred in May 2024, where he defeated George Kambosos Jr. of Australia by knockout in the 11th round, concluding his professional record at 18 wins and 3 losses, with defeats against notable boxers including Orlando Salido, Teofimo Lopez, and Devin Haney.
Reflection on His Career
In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, Lomachenko expressed his gratitude for his experiences in and out of the ring, stating:
“I’m thankful for every victory and defeat. As I close this chapter, I’ve found clarity about the true essence of victory that transcends boxing.”
His legacy will be remembered fondly in the boxing world, particularly for his remarkable amateur career, where he achieved a record of 396 wins against just a single loss before transitioning to the professional realm.
Rapid Ascent in Professional Boxing
Lomachenko’s ascent in professional boxing was rapid, capturing the WBO world featherweight title in only his third bout by winning against Gary Russell Jr. in June 2014. He went on to claim the WBO junior lightweight title two years later, defeating Roman Martinez, and in 2018, he earned the prestigious Ring and WBA lightweight championships by stopping Jorge Linares.
Fighting Style and Legacy
Known for his exceptional footwork and agility, Lomachenko consistently outmaneuvered opponents, making him notoriously hard to hit. His unique fighting style earned him the monikers “The Matrix” and “Hi-Tech.” During a remarkable stretch from late 2016 to late 2017, Lomachenko compelled opponents such as Nicholas Walters, Jason Sosa, Miguel Marriaga, and Guillermo Rigondeaux to surrender, showcasing his dominance in the ring.
Tribute to His Roots
In his emotional farewell post, he paid tribute to his parents, especially his father, Anatoly, a boxing trainer who began teaching Lomachenko from the age of four. Lomachenko’s upbringing included a temporary diversion into traditional Ukrainian dance, promoting his balance and agility—a foundation he credits alongside varied sports like gymnastics, basketball, and football for his exceptional skills.
The innovative training methods developed by his father included unique mental challenges and physical feats like breath-holding exercises, pushing Lomachenko’s abilities beyond what many might achieve. His extraordinary combination of mental acuity and physical prowess set him apart in a fiercely competitive sport, making his career one that will be remembered for both its artistry and its competitiveness.
