Vasiliy Lomachenko re-signs with Top Rank, plans early '27 comeback fight

          • Brett OkamotoNov 5, 2026, 11:32 AM ET
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              Brett Okamoto has reported on mixed martial arts and boxing at ESPN since 2010. He has covered all of the biggest events in combat sports during that time, including in-depth interviews and features with names such as Dana White, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and Georges St-Pierre. He was also a producer on the 30 for 30 film: "Chuck and Tito," which looked back at the careers and rivalry of Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. He lives in Las Vegas, and is an avid, below-average golfer in his spare time.
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          In anticipation of his return to boxing, Vasiliy Lomachenko has signed a multiyear agreement with Top Rank, officials announced Thursday.

          A three-division world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Lomachenko (18-3, 12 KOs) is expected to make his return in early 2027. The 38-year-old retired last year as IBF lightweight champion.

          "God works in mysterious ways," Lomachenko said in a statement. "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."

          Lomachenko, of Ukraine, will seek the undisputed crown in the junior lightweight division. Last month, he was in attendance for O'Shaquie Foster's WBC, WBO and IBF world title win against Emmanuel Navarrete in San Antonio. Lomachenko has held titles at featherweight, junior lightweight and lightweight. In 2023, he fell short of undisputed lightweight champion in a decision loss to Devin Haney.

          Lomachenko said during the DAZN broadcast that the lightweight division "was not his natural weight," which contributed to his decision to retire last year, before adding, "now I am back, but I am back in the 130 [pounds], my natural weight class, and that is why I'm ready."

          According to Thursday's release, Lomachenko's signed a co-promotional agreement with his longtime promoter Top Rank, through his newly formed Loma Power Productions.

          "Vasiliy is one of the most gifted fighters I've ever promoted, and I'm delighted he's returning to the ring," said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. "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 Productions to put on some terrific fights."

          Lomachenko knows time is not on his side, but still wants one more crack at an undisputed title.

          "Now, I am 38 years old and we need to try one more time to be undisputed," Lomachenko told DAZN. "During preparation it looks very good, but nobody knows what happens after one month more, or two months preparation, we'll see. But right now, everything's good."