Vasiliy Lomachenko has announced his retirement from boxing aged 37.
Lomachenko posted a video on social media thanking fans, his manager Egis Klimas, his promoter Bob Arum and his father and trainer, Anatoly after calling time on his career.
It had been rumoured for months that the Ukrainian would step away from the sport, with a back injury keeping him sidelined, since claiming the IBF lightweight world title last May over George Kambosos Jr, which turned out to be the final fight of his career.
“I wouldn’t be remiss not to thank you my dear boxing fans around the world,” Lomachenko said.
“You have always supported me with passion and lived through unforgettable fights.
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“Alongside me for over a decade.
“I hope you continue to love and respect this sport.
“Because the men who step in the ring risk their health for the sake of their families.
“Peace to all. May the lord bless his people.”
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Lomachenko will go down as one of the greatest amateurs of all time, having claimed Olympic gold medals at both the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, ending his unpaid career with a record of 396-1.
The 37-year-old fought for the WBO featherweight world title in just his second professional bout, losing a split decision to Orlando Salido, but bounced back in his next fight to win the same belt with a majority decision victory over Gary Russell Jr.
Lomachenko was branded ‘The Matrix’ due to his slick footwork and mesmerising angles, which saw him defend that crown four times, before winning the same belt at super featherweight.
‘Loma’ returned to London in 2019, nine years after winning Olympic gold there, to defeat Luke Campbell and unify the lightweight division, before shipping his belts to Teofimo Lopez in October 2020.
After two further victories, he took a break from boxing to join the Ukrainian territorial army in its war with Russia, before losing a contentious decision to Devin Haney in a bid for the undisputed lightweight crown upon his return in May 2023.
He travelled to Australia last May, stopping Kambosos Jr to reclaim the IBF lightweight title.
IBF interim champion, Raymond Muratalla is set to be upgraded to full champion, once Lomachenko informs the IBF of his decision.
