Boxing
Vasily Lomachenko is retiring due to massive fights
This freedom radically changes the options available to him. Instead of being narrow by promotional politics, Lomachenko can now pursue the biggest paydays available and the most prestigious lightweight fights.
The update immediately reignited speculation about potential fights with Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson, although Stevenson may now represent a more realistic option given Saudi Arabia’s growing involvement in major boxing events.
Now 38 years elderly, Lomachenko will return as one of boxing’s greatest technicians, but also one of boxing’s most valuable free agents. His decision to skip pre-season fights suggests he believes there is still enough money and leverage to make elite-level fights possible immediately, despite the long layoff.
The lightweight division also looks much different now than it did when Lomachenko left. Players like Shakur Stevenson, William Zepeda, Lamont Roach Jr. and Jadier Herrera have been promoted to main roles, while money from Riyad’s season continues to influence the way the biggest fights are organized.
Mike Coppinger revealed today on X that Lomachenko’s contract with Top Rank expires today, making him a promotional free agent for the first time in years. Lomachenko plans to return in the fall and wants a “massive” fight without any adjustments.
The update immediately reignited speculation about potential fights with Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson and other major names in the lightweight division.
Lomachenko hasn’t fought since stopping George Kambosos Jr. in May 2024. in the fight for the IBF lightweight title. After the victory, the former three-division champion retired from boxing, citing emotional exhaustion and uncertainty about his future career.
Back problems reportedly interrupted negotiations for a proposed fight with Gervonta Davis before Lomachenko officially retired.
Now, at the age of 38, Lomachenko will return as one of boxing’s greatest technicians and one of the biggest free agents in the sport. His decision to avoid pre-season fights suggests that despite his long layoff, he still considers himself capable of competing at an elite level immediately.
The lightweight division has seen significant changes in his absence, with Shakur Stevenson, William Zepeda, Lamont Roach Jr. and Jadier Herrera have moved into major championship positions, while Davis remains one of the sport’s biggest attractions.
Sources say that Vasily Lomachenko is coming out of retirement and his goal is to return this fall @ringmagazyn. Lomachenko’s contract with Top Rank expires today and he is now a promotional free agent. I was told he only wanted massive fights, no corrections. pic.twitter.com/cDlZJ8WCG0
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) May 12, 2026
WBA welterweight champion Jack Catterall has responded to Ryan Garcia’s latest social media message to Devin Haney, in which he urges the fighters to stop exchanging online posts and start the biggest fights in the division.
Ryan reignited discussion about a potential rematch with Haney by posting a miniature message on the site X.
“Devin, I’m waiting…”
The post was quickly met with backlash from Catterall, who proposed his own solution for the welterweight division.
“More than that, mystery shit, how about everyone just fight each other. You were pissed when you boxed Realdevinhaney, so get a rematch with him ✅ Crocker is fighting Paro for the IBF, and if @SignUp4KOs goes crazy and fights me, we can all start to unify.”
Catterall’s comments referenced Garcia’s no-contest fight with Haney in April 2024. Garcia dropped Haney three times and won by majority decision before the result was later overturned after he tested positive for a banned substance.
The British southpaw also pointed to the upcoming IBF welterweight title fight between Lewis Crocker and Liam Paro as an example of top contenders actually meeting in the ring rather than discussing potential matchups online.
Catterall then turned his attention to WBA champion Rolando Romero, calling for a unification fight that would bring the division closer to crowning a single champion.
Welterweight remains one of boxing’s most energetic divisions. Haney is expected to face a mandatory title fight against Keyshawn Davis, Crocker and Paro will fight for the IBF belt, and Garcia will still have another major fight following his victory over Rolly Romero earlier this year.
To Catterall, the solution seems elementary: stop sending cryptic messages and start picking fights.
Click here to sign up for our FREE newsletter
Related boxing news:
Last updated: 22/06/2026 at 3:01
Boxing
Dave Allen gives an straightforward assessment of Filip Hrgovic’s strength ahead of his fight with Moses Itauma
Most observers see unified junior middleweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis as the clear favorite ahead of his June 27 bout with Xander Zayas.
But at least one analyst is starting to see this fight differently.
“Maybe I’m starting to buy into the idea that Zayas might have a better chance than most people are giving him,” Chris Mannix said on DAZN’s Beyond The Bell.
Mannix also revealed that confidence in Zayas’ camp is growing as the fight gets closer.
“When I talk to people in his camp, they say he’s having the best camp he’s ever had, that he’s as motivated as ever. He hears all the doubters. He sees all the activity on social media,” Chris said.
Former world champion Sergio Mora agreed that Zayas brings a unique challenge to the fight, pointing to his size advantage over Ennis.
“He’s naturally a bigger fighter. He’s going to pressure Boots. We saw Boots get hit,” Mora said. “Can he take hits from a bigger fighter like Xander Zayas, who is just confident?”
Zayas enters the fight as a junior middleweight with a long career, while Ennis is preparing for just his second appearance at 154 pounds after moving up from welterweight earlier this year. Although Ennis remains the bookmakers’ favorite, this fight has become one of the most anticipated fights of this summer.
The winner will leave Brooklyn with Ennis’ unified WBA and WBC junior middleweight titles and take an vital step towards becoming a top attraction in the division.
Click here to sign up for our FREE newsletter
Related boxing news:
Last updated: 22/06/2026 at 3:53
Jack Catterall Criticizes Ryan Garcia’s Games on Social Media: ‘More Mysterious St’**’
Lewis Crocker vs. Liam Paro – how to watch it
Dave Allen gives an straightforward assessment of Filip Hrgovic’s strength ahead of his fight with Moses Itauma
-
Opinions & Features1 year agoPacquiao vs marquez competition: History of violence
-
MMA1 year agoDmitry Menshikov statement in the February fight
-
Results1 year agoStephen Fulton Jr. becomes world champion in two weight by means of a decision
-
Results1 year agoKeyshawn Davis Ko’s Berinchyk, when Xander Zayas moves to 21-0
-
Video1 year agoFrank Warren on Derek Chisora vs Otto Wallin – ‘I THOUGHT OTTO WOULD GIVE DEREK PROBLEMS!’
-
Analysis1 year agoRobert Garcia discusses the debate on the greatest Mexican warrior in history
-
Video1 year ago‘DEREK CHISORA RETIRE TONIGHT!’ – Anthony Yarde PLEADS for retirement after WALLIN
-
Results1 year agoLive: Catterall vs Barboza results and results card