Boxing legend Vasiliy Lomachenko retires after unprecedented 400+ fights

Boxing luminary Vasiliy Lomachenko has officially declared his retirement, bringing an end to what many consider one of the sport's most unprecedented careers. Lomachenko boasted an unparalleled amateur record, securing an astounding 396 victories against just a single defeat, which he later avenged.

Transitioning to professional boxing in 2013, the masterful southpaw quickly captivated fans with his incredible footwork, lightning-fast combination punching, and dazzling speed. He went on to win world titles in three different weight divisions: featherweight, super-featherweight, and lightweight, a testament to his exceptional skill and adaptability.

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Lomachenko's professional debut came after a remarkable amateur career crowned by double Olympic gold medals at the London 2012 Games. He aimed for a world title fight in his very first professional bout but was denied due to lacking a ranking. After swiftly dispatching Jose Luis Ramírez in four rounds, he challenged Orlando Salido for the WBO featherweight title. In a surprising upset, Salido, employing veteran tactics, edged out Lomachenko on points.

Undeterred, Lomachenko bounced back with a victory over Gary Russell Jr. in his very next fight, becoming a world champion in just his third professional bout—a remarkable feat. This ignited an impressive five-year, 13-fight unbeaten streak where he collected titles at 126lb, 130lb, and 135lb. Despite often being significantly outsized by his opponents in the lightweight division, a challenge that eventually took its toll, Lomachenko pushed boundaries. He faced defeats to Teofimo Lopez in a unified title bout in 2020 and controversially lost to Devin Haney on points three years later.

Lomachenko made a triumphant return to the ring 12 months after the Haney fight, stopping George Kambosos in 11 rounds last May to reclaim the IBF belt. However, he later vacated the strap. Despite being linked with lucrative matchups against top fighters like Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson, Lomachenko confirmed his retirement in a lengthy Instagram video, expressing gratitude to his family, including his father and coach Anatoly, his manager Egis Klimas, long-time promoter Bob Arum, and his dedicated fanbase.

Beyond his boxing prowess, Lomachenko also displayed immense courage outside the ring, enlisting with the Territorial Defence Forces to defend his country following Russia's invasion in February 2022, before eventually returning to resume his boxing career. He hangs up his gloves with a combined amateur and professional record of 418 total fights, 414 wins, just four losses, and a treasure trove of gold medals and world title belts.