Vasiliy Lomachenko Retires at 37
Vasiliy Lomachenko announced his retirement from boxing at the age of 37, closing his career as a three-division world champion with a record of 18 wins and 3 losses (12 KOs). New generations of boxing fans may not appreciate his brilliance inside the ring, focusing instead on his record and questioning how a fighter with three defeats could be deemed great, especially in an era that often idolizes unbeaten records like Floyd Mayweather’s 50-0.
Unexpected Path to Greatness
Lomachenko’s career path was distinctive, contrasting with the typical boxer’s journey. After a stellar amateur career with two Olympic gold medals and an incredible record of 396-1, he took on significant challenges early in his professional career rather than easing in with lesser opponents.
Breaking Records Early
In just his second professional match, Lomachenko faced WBO featherweight champion Orlando Salido in March 2014. Despite losing in a controversial split decision, Lomachenko quickly rebounded by becoming a world champion in his third fight against Gary Russell Jr. in June 2014, matching a record held by Saensak Muangsurin.
Dominating the Ranks
After winning and defending the WBO featherweight title, Lomachenko swiftly moved up to junior lightweight, where he became the quickest boxer to win titles in two weight classes by defeating Roman Martinez. He then showcased his unmatched skills, leading to a series of victories that left opponents like Guillermo Rigondeaux unable to continue.
Remarkable Achievements
Eventually moving to lightweight, Lomachenko became the fastest fighter to win titles across three weight classes with his victory over Jorge Linares. Although he faced tough losses against Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney, both of whom were naturally larger opponents, Lomachenko’s status remained firm within the pound-for-pound rankings.
Legacy Beyond Numbers
Despite not finishing with an undefeated record, Lomachenko’s willingness to embrace challenges and make history will secure his place in the International Hall of Fame. Comparatively, many fighters like Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford were still emerging during their first 21 fights—highlighting the depth of Lomachenko’s accomplishments. His legacy is a testament to witnessing greatness in action, beyond mere statistics.
