Oleksandr Usyk paid a touching tribute to Vasiliy Lomachenko, after his countryman announced his retirement from boxing last week.
Lomachenko, a long-time friend of Usyk, bowed out of the sport on Thursday at 37-year-old, finishing as a three-weight world champion.
‘Loma’ and Usyk both claimed gold medals for Ukraine at the 2012 Olympics and the unified heavyweight champion lauded him as an all-time sporting great.
“Thank you for your journey, your dedication, and your greatness,” the 38-year-old posted on Instagram.
“You are one of the greatest athletes the world of sport has ever seen.
“Not just in boxing — in sport, period.
“Your amateur legacy is unmatched. Two Olympic gold medals. Nearly 400 wins. A master of movement, timing, and precision.
“And in the professional ring, you made history again — becoming a world champion in three divisions, doing what many thought was impossible, and doing it with style, class, and intelligence.
“You inspired millions. You changed the game. You set a new standard.
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“I am proud to call you my friend, my teammate, my brother.
“Your legacy will live on for many, many years. In the hearts of fighters. In the minds of fans. In the history books of boxing.
“Congratulations on a legendary career.”
Lomachenko will likely be in London on July 19 to support Usyk, who attempts to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight world champion when he faces Daniel Dubois in a rematch at Wembley Stadium.
Usyk knocked out the Dubois in the ninth round of their battle in August 2023 and became undisputed champion in his next outing, defeating Tyson Fury on points.
‘The Cat’ relinquished the IBF belt now held by Dubois to pursue a rematch with Fury, who he beat for a second time, a result which prompted ‘The Gypsy King’ to retire.
Dubois has rebounded since with three straight wins, defending his IBF crown with a fifth round knockout of Anthony Joshua in September.
