by One of the greatest hunters of modern times is hung up his gloves.
Vasiliy Lomachenko announced on Thursday morning what had long been rumors – that he would retire from professional boxing.
Lomachenko, 37, was one of the most experienced hunters of his era. He won back-to-back Olympic gold medals for Ukraine in the Beijing 2008 matches and in London in 2012. He ended his amateur career with a record of 396-1.
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In the paid ranks, “Loma” was the fastest to win a world title, who did this in just his third game. He is also bound by Kosei Tanaka because he is the fastest to become a threefold world champion and to achieve the performance after 12 fights.
In the past, Lomachenko was the pound-for-pound no. 1, known for its fast hands, sublime footwork and combination punching. He was a technical master of the sport, astonishing opponents with precision and speed.
He ended his career with an 18-3 record with 12 knockouts.
Lomachenko retired while still holding the IBF light weight title, which he won in his last fight-a 11th round TKO victory on George Kambosos Jr. In May 2024. The IBF championship will be officially resolved in the coming weeks, and interim champion Raymond Muratalla will probably be upgraded to full champion status.
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“I am grateful for every victory and defeat in the ring and outside the ring,” said Lomachenko in a video that announced his retirement. “I am grateful that if my career is coming to an end, I have been given clarity about the direction that a person has to take to achieve real victory, not just in the ring.
“I thank God for my honest and great and friendly parents for their care, love and warmth that I felt all my life. My father not only taught me boxing, but also how I can be a role model for my own children.
“I have made many mistakes in life and in the gym, but he always stood by my side and corrected me when needed. I have many warm memories.
“You have always stood with me for my family. You have shared my victories and you felt the pain of my losses. They only made us stronger.”
