Boxing
Vasily Lomachenko is retiring due to massive fights
Published
5 months agoon
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
Robert Segal is a boxing reporter at Boxing News 24 with over a decade of experience covering fight news, previews and analysis. Known for his first-hand reporting and in-ring perspective, he delivers authoritative coverage of champions, challengers and emerging talent from around the world.
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Boxing
Derek Chisora Slams Dana White Regarding Fighter Treatment Issues
Published
10 hours agoon
September 30, 2026
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.

About the author
Boxing 24/7 Wire
Boxing247.com is an independent boxing news publication covering the sport since 2001. It provides original reporting, fight analysis, schedules, results, and informed coverage of major fighters and events worldwide, backed by more than 25 years of professional boxing journalism.
Boxing
Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Live London Press Conference Showdown
Published
19 hours agoon
September 30, 2026
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.
Boxing
Filip Hrgovic Criticizes WBA for Allowing Fury vs. Joshua Title Fight
Published
22 hours agoon
September 30, 2026
Filip Hrgovic questions how Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have earned a fight for the WBA “Super” heavyweight title, arguing that attaching the belt to their matchup damages boxing’s credibility.
The fight already has two recognizable names and a rivalry that can sell without a championship. Adding a world title invites a different question: what have either man’s recent performances done to justify that reward?
“They are both big superstars, but how are they fighting for a title?” Hrgovic told The Stomping Ground when asked about the proposed WBA title stakes. “Where did that come from? … These kinds of decisions, it’s killing the sport. It’s not good for the sport. And because of these funny decisions, people don’t consider boxing a serious sport.”
Fury and Joshua already have the recognition to sell their fight. Their rivalry is the attraction. Adding the WBA’s highest heavyweight title gives the event a sporting endorsement that requires more explanation than either man’s name can provide.
Gassiev’s position makes that harder to justify. With him holding the regular championship, the proposed title stakes would allow Fury and Joshua to fight for superior recognition within the same organization without going through its existing titleholder. What, then, is Gassiev’s belt supposed to mean?
That is the weakness of the WBA’s multiple-title structure. A fighter can hold its championship and still watch a more commercially attractive pairing receive the bigger prize. The distinction becomes difficult to defend if the organization cannot explain the sporting criteria behind it.
There is also a financial question worth asking. Sanctioning a major event can benefit the organization collecting the fees. That makes a clear explanation of eligibility especially necessary: what qualifies Fury and Joshua for this opportunity, and how does Gassiev fit into the decision?
Hrgovic has his own interests. He wants recognition as the division’s best champion and would benefit from undermining rival claims. But his objection still demands an answer.
Fans can enjoy Fury-Joshua as a major occasion without treating it as the fight that establishes heavyweight supremacy. The WBA risks blurring that distinction by attaching its highest title to a matchup whose appeal is already secure.
The rivalry gives the promotion something valuable to sell. The championship should represent something the fighters have earned.

About the author
Boxing 24/7 Wire
Boxing247.com is an independent boxing news publication covering the sport since 2001. It provides original reporting, fight analysis, schedules, results, and informed coverage of major fighters and events worldwide, backed by more than 25 years of professional boxing journalism.
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