Less than 12 months since his retirement, fan-favourite Vasyl Lomachenko is set to make a comeback to boxing as he seeks to re-establish himself as a pound-for-pound star. Now, former rival Devin Haney and potential opponent Shakur Stevenson have reacted to the news.
As one of the most decorated amateur boxers of all time, ‘Loma’ wasted no time in competing at the elite level as a professional, but suffered a split-decision defeat in just his second pro bout – a clash for the vacant WBO featherweight world title.
However, the Ukrainian got his hands on that belt in the ensuing fight and soon established himself as a pound-for-pound talent, becoming a three-division world champion in just 12 fights.
Lomachenko was unable to achieve his dream of becoming an undisputed champion, with a heart-wrenching and somewhat controversial 2023 defeat to Devin Haney denying him that achievement. Then, he bounced back and knocked out George Kambosos to claim the IBF lightweight title in May 2024.
Despite impressing against Kambosos, that performance looked set to be Lomachenko’s last, retiring 13 months later with a record of 21-3 due to a lack of motivation and ongoing back injury.
After almost a year away, it has now been revealed that 38-year-old Lomachenko will make a return to the ring, with Haney and Stevenson amongst the first to welcome him back to the sport.
Wow.. welcome back Loma! https://t.co/XAKdi5Qvj8
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) May 12, 2026
🔥 https://t.co/Zh4ff1sO5c
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) May 12, 2026
Lomachenko reportedly wants no ‘tune-up’ and says he is ready to jump into a major fight immediately. With Stevenson on the lookout for an opponent, some fans feel as though their long-awaited showdown could be around the corner. Another potential opponent if Gervonta Davis, who was in talks with the Ukrainian before he retired.