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Vasily Lomachenko is “coming out of retirement” ahead of his “massive fight” this year

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Vasiliy Lomachenko ‘coming out of retirement’ for ‘big fight’ this year

Vasily Lomachenko looks set to make a stunning return to boxing.

Lomachenko had a spectacular amateur career, finishing with a record of 396-1 while being a two-time Olympic gold medalist, before breaking into the professional ranks and competing for world titles in just his second fight.

While he may have fallen low in this fight, he made up for it in his third fight, winning the WBO featherweight title before also becoming the WBO super featherweight champion and unified lightweight world champion.

The Ukrainian was praised for fighting above his natural weight and winning over the likes of Jorge Linares and Jose Pedraza, but was defeated twice at 135 pounds, first defeat to Teofimo Lopez in October 2020 before his controversial loss to Devin Haney in May 2023.

Lomachenko did bounce back with a win over George Kambosos in May 2024 to become the IBF lightweight champion, and it seemed like it would be his last time in the ring when he officially announced his retirement in June 2025 after months of speculation.

However, everything may change soon Mike Coppinger reported this that he intends to retire and return this year “only for the massive fights.”

“Vasily Lomachenko is coming out of retirement and his goal is to return this fall, sources tell Ring Magazine. Lomachenko’s contract with Top Rank expires today and he is now a promotional free agent. I’m told he only wants massive fights, without any improvements.”

It is known that Lomachenko talked to Gervonta Davis before his retirement, but this fight never took place, and one of the reasons for the impossibility was the Ukrainian’s persistent back injury.

With the back injury now seemingly in the past, it could pave the way for a rematch with Davis, though there are plenty of other intriguing options – including Shakur Stevenson, who has always called for a fight – for the former pound-for-pound superstar.

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Derek Chisora Slams Dana White Regarding Fighter Treatment Issues

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Derek Chisora Slams Dana White Regarding Fighter Treatment Issues

Derek Chisora accused Dana White of operating like a “slave owner,” but Conor Benn’s lucrative move to Zuffa Boxing offers a substantial counterpoint to the heavyweight’s attack.

Chisora’s complaint centered on White turning fighters away from his platform. That hardly explains the comparison, especially with Benn reportedly collecting $15 million for his first Zuffa appearance alone.

“Dana White is not my cup of tea, to be honest with you,” Chisora said in an interview with Fight Hub TV following the Tyson Fury–Anthony Joshua press conference. “Because the way he operates is just, he operates like a slave owner, man. You know, fighters want to fight on his platform. He tells them, ‘You’re not good enough for me, so go away.’ What is a fighter going to do? What is he going to do after that? That’s not right.”

Benn’s experience makes that accusation difficult to defend. His reported $15 million purse for facing Regis Prograis was followed by a world-title opportunity against Ryan Garcia. White’s platform has delivered both substantial money and a major fight for the British welterweight.

One boxer’s earnings cannot answer every question about a promoter’s treatment of fighters. But Chisora supplied no named example to support his accusation. Benn gives readers something concrete to weigh against it.

Chisora also argued that a fighter who performs poorly one night can improve the next time. Fair enough. Promoters still have to decide whom to sign, how many places they can offer, and which fights they want to stage. Wanting a contract does not create an entitlement to one.

His example concerns access to White’s platform, rather than restrictions imposed on someone already fighting there. Those are different issues, and Chisora never explained how rejection justified his language.

Asked about the dispute between Eddie Hearn and White, Chisora made his personal dislike clear. What he failed to provide was an argument strong enough to carry such a loaded accusation.

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Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Live London Press Conference Showdown

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"Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Live London Press Conference Showdown"

The long-awaited, all-British heavyweight blockbuster between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is officially set for December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Backed by Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh, the defining clash will see both men pocket a career-high purse and settle the debate – to a degree – of this generation’s best UK heavyweight.

After more than a decade of false starts and fractured negotiations, the two former heavyweight champions will finally settle their rivalry in what promises to be the biggest commercial event in British boxing history. Broadcast rights have been secured by Netflix for a global audience and Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao may appear on the undercard, despite turning 49 one week after the event.

Crucially, Joshua’s camp held firm during negotiations to ensure the bout remained on domestic soil. Despite the potential for more lucrative offers overseas, ‘AJ’ refused to budge on the location, and the pair meet today in London to make it official.

Fans can watch live via the stream below, with the proceedings expected to kick off at 6 PM – though delays and gamesmanship may be a factor.