Lomachenko Signs New Deal, Targets 2027 Comeback

Vasiliy Lomachenko has reversed his 2025 retirement decision, signing a multi-year promotional deal with Top Rank and planning a return to the ring in early 2027.

The former three-division world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist made the announcement official on Thursday.

Lomachenko (18-3, 12 KOs) will campaign at super featherweight, a division he has not fought in since December 2017.

He is also launching his own promotional company, Loma Power Promotions, which will co-promote his fights alongside Top Rank.

The comeback timeline puts Lomachenko back in action after a two-year layoff.

His last professional fight came in May 2024, when he stopped George Kambosos Jr. in the 11th round to win the vacant IBF lightweight title.

Lomachenko announced his retirement in June 2025, just over a year after that victory.

At the time of his retirement, a high-profile fight against Gervonta “Tank” Davis was on the table.

According to Lance Pugmire of Boxing Scene, the plan is for Lomachenko to return on February 13 against Charly Suarez.

Suarez is The Ring’s No. 3-rated junior lightweight contender.

Lomachenko turns 39 in February.

Top Rank has not yet announced a specific opponent or venue for the comeback bout.

In a statement released by Top Rank, Lomachenko said: “God works in mysterious ways. I thought I would never step back into the ring again as a boxer. But our Lord Jesus Christ had other plans for me. I’m happy to be living this boxing life once again. I’m grateful to everyone who is once again part of this journey.”

He added: “Special respect and gratitude to my manager, Egis Klimas, who, despite my firm belief that my boxing career was over, never stopped believing that we would step into the ring again. He put in a tremendous amount of work and effort to get us back in the race.”

Top Rank CEO Bob Arum also commented on the signing.

“Vasiliy is one of the most gifted fighters I’ve ever promoted, and I’m delighted he’s returning to the ring,” Arum said in a statement.

“He’s accomplished so much, but he’s determined to become undisputed. There’s tremendous talent at super featherweight, and we’re looking forward to working with Loma Power Promotions to put on some terrific fights.”

Arum helped guide Lomachenko near the top of the pound-for-pound rankings soon after his professional debut in 2013.

Lomachenko turned pro with a reported amateur record of 396-1.

He won world titles at 126, 130 and 135 pounds starting from his third professional fight onward.

Lomachenko fell short against bigger fighters during lightweight title bouts against Teofimo Lopez Jr. in 2020 and Devin Haney in 2023.

His decision to un-retire sets up potential clashes with the current crop of lightweights and junior lightweights.

The ultimate goal, according to reports, is for Lomachenko to fight for the undisputed super featherweight title.

Unified champion O’Shaquie Foster currently holds two belts at 130 pounds.

A showdown between Lomachenko and Foster would be highly anticipated if Lomachenko is successful in his return fight.

Lomachenko made an appearance at the last WBO convention and more recently at the Navarrete vs. Foster event, fueling speculation about his return.

Now that the deal has been announced, Top Rank is expected to finalize the details of Lomachenko’s first fight and make that announcement before the end of 2026.

The super featherweight division features several younger fighters, raising questions about whether Lomachenko can still be competitive at 38.

Lomachenko will be nearly two years removed from his last professional fight when he steps back through the ropes in early 2027.

The three-weight world champion’s comeback represents one of the most significant retirement reversals in recent boxing history.

His amateur pedigree — including two Olympic gold medals for Ukraine — made him one of the most decorated boxers ever before he even turned pro.

Lomachenko’s professional style, built on footwork, angles and punch volume, earned him a reputation as a potential all-time great during his peak years.

His losses to Lopez and Haney came at lightweight, where he gave up significant size and reach advantages.

Moving back down to 130 pounds could restore some of the physical advantages he enjoyed earlier in his career.

The February 13 date, if confirmed, would mark Lomachenko’s first fight in nearly three years.

Charly Suarez, the potential opponent, has built a reputation as a durable and skilled contender at junior lightweight.

A victory over Suarez would position Lomachenko for a title shot later in 2027.

The undisputed championship at super featherweight is currently held by Foster, who won the WBC title in 2023 and added the WBO belt in 2026.

Foster has not yet responded publicly to the news of Lomachenko’s signing.

Lomachenko’s return also revives the possibility of a fight against Gervonta Davis, though Davis currently campaigns at lightweight.