Vasiliy Lomachenko, who chose to stay in Ukraine during the initial days of Russia's invasion, now seems ready to start preparing for his return to the ring. Todd DuBoef, president of Top Rank, told ESPN's Brett Okamoto and Kevin Iole that Lomachenko had contacted Top Rank's promoters and said that he would fight in October.
Lomachenko was to face George Kambosos Jr. earlier in the year for the undisputed lightweight title. Russia invaded Ukraine as preparations for the fight began. Lomachenko decided to return from Greece to take up arms and go back to Ukraine to face Kambosos Jr.
Devin Haney was instead facing Kambosos in June. Haney won a dominant and one-sided victory to win all four of the world titles at 135 lbs.
Lomachenko could return to the ring in October but it would not be in a fight for the world title. He will instead remain at lightweight. Kambosos, as champion, activated a rematch clause against Haney after the loss. This tied up the undisputed titles and allowed the two to face each other in Australia for the second time. The date for the rematch is still unknown.
Lomachenko was a former champion at featherweight, junior lightweight and unified lightweight. Lomachenko lost his lightweight title in October 2020 to Teofimo Lopez. He then lost his titles to Kambosos.
Lopez was defeated by Lomachenko in round 9. Lomachenko won two more victories over hard-hitting opponents, defeating Masayoshi Nakatani and dominating Richard Commey for 12 rounds.
