Thirty-seven-year-old Lomachenko has called time on a career with a record of 18-3, with 12 KOs, and made the announcement in a video posted to his Instagram page.
“I’m grateful for every victory and every defeat, both in the ring and in life,” Lomachenko said in a video posted on social media Thursday. “I’m thankful that, as my career comes to an end, I’ve gained clarity about the direction a person must take in order to achieve true victory, not just in the ring.”
“To my family, you have always stood by me. You shared in my victories, and you felt the pain of my losses. Those losses only made us stronger.
“I would be remiss not to thank you, my dear boxing fans from around the world. You have always supported me with passion through my most unforgettable fights.”
Lomachenko’s longtime promoters Top Rank issued a statement paying tribute to his career.
“Following a remarkable professional career, the great Vasiliy Lomachenko announced his retirement from boxing,” the statement began.
“Top Rank has been privileged to promote “Loma” for the entirety of his historic journey, which included world titles in three weight classes and recognition as the sport’s preeminent pound-for-pound fighter.
“Lomachenko tied a boxing record by winning a world title in his third professional bout and became a three-weight world champion in 12 fights, setting a new standard in the sport.
“Before turning pro, he had an incomparable amateur record of 396-1, winning a pair of Olympic and World Championship gold medals for his native Ukraine. In 2022, he put his career on hold, returning to his homeland to join a territorial defense battalion after the Russian invasion.”
Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum said, “It’s been an honor for all of us at Top Rank to promote the pro boxing career of Vasiliy Lomachenko. He was a generational champion, and we will all miss his participation in the sport.”
