Lomachenko Plans Return at 130 Pounds and Eyes Undisputed Title

Vasiliy Lomachenko plans to come back to boxing at super featherweight, the weight class he calls his natural one. The 38-year-old Ukrainian, a three-division world champion, wants one more run at becoming an undisputed champion.

He spoke on Saturday at the Navarrete vs. Foster event in San Antonio. Asked what brought him back, he said that at 38 he felt the time had come to try once more, because at 40 or 41 it would be too late.

Lomachenko is 18-3 with 12 knockouts. His last fight was in May 2024 in Perth, Australia, where he beat George Kambosos Jr. by unanimous decision for the vacant IBF lightweight title. A fight with Gervonta "Tank" Davis, then the WBA lightweight champion, was expected next but never happened. A year later Lomachenko announced his retirement. In May this year it was reported that he planned to return in the fall.

Explaining why he stepped away instead of facing Davis, he said he was tired of boxing and that 135 pounds was not his natural weight. He said he is now back at 130, and that he wants to fight for a title there.

In May 2023 Lomachenko challenged Devin Haney for the undisputed lightweight title and lost by unanimous decision. Becoming undisputed champion, he said, is his goal and his dream, and it was his main aim when he turned professional.

The interview took place before Foster and Navarrete fought. Asked if he wanted the winner, he answered that he did. O'Shaquie Foster later beat Navarrete by unanimous decision to hold the WBC, IBF and WBO belts. Anthony Cacace of Northern Ireland holds the WBA title.

On the timeline he stayed cautious. Training looks very good, he said, but nobody knows how things will look after another month or two of preparation. He said he will check his condition next year and that maybe he will fight then.

Source: FIGHTMAG