Lomachenko (18-3, 12 KOs) is expected to campaign as a 130-pounder moving forward through his newly formed Loma Power Promotions, and his return could come as soon as February against Charly Suarez, The Ring's No. 3-rated junior lightweight contender. Lomachenko turns 39 in February and plans to position himself to challenge for the undisputed junior lightweight title in 2027. 

Lomachenko, a former three-division world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, announced his retirement in June 2025 following his 11th-round stoppage win for the vacant IBF lightweight title against George Kambosos Jr. in May 2024. At the time of retirement, a high-profile fight against Gervonta "Tank" Davis was on the table. 

“God works in mysterious ways. I thought I would never step back into the ring again as a boxer. But our Lord Jesus Christ had other plans for me. I’m happy to be living this boxing life once again. I’m grateful to everyone who is once again part of this journey," Lomachenko said in a statement. 

“Special respect and gratitude to my manager, Egis Klimas, who, despite my firm belief that my boxing career was over, never stopped believing that we would step into the ring again. He put in a tremendous amount of work and effort to get us back in the race.”

Top Rank boss Bob Arum is also pleased Lomachenko decided to come back for one last run before it was too late. 

Arum helped propel Lomachenko near the top of the pound-for-pound rankings soon after his pro debut in 2013, following a reported amateur record of 396-1. 

Lomachenko won world titles at 126, 130 and 135 pounds from his third pro fight onward but fell short against bigger fighters during lightweight title fights against Teofimo Lopez Jr. in 2020 and Devin Haney in 2023. 

“Vasiliy is one of the most gifted fighters I’ve ever promoted, and I’m delighted he’s returning to the ring,” Arum said in a statement. “He’s accomplished so much, but he’s determined to become undisputed. There’s tremendous talent at super featherweight, and we’re looking forward to working with Loma Power Promotions to put on some terrific fights.”

Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan.