Lomachenko targets autumn return as free agent
Vasiliy Lomachenko plans to end his sabbatical in the fall, with manager Egis Klimas confirming the fighter is targeting a bout against Charly Suarez.
Former three-division world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko is preparing to resume professional boxing after retiring in late 2024. The 38-year-old Ukrainian fighter, who resides in Camarillo, California, intends to return to competition in the autumn, according to confirmation from his manager, Egis Klimas.
Lomachenko has restarted training, with his camp indicating the desire to return was too significant to ignore. Klimas confirmed the timeline to The Star, stating the fighter is back and working toward a fall return. The announcement has generated significant attention, with speculation mounting regarding potential opponents for the southpaw.
Reports from Lance Pugmire of Boxingscene suggest Lomachenko is targeting unbeaten junior lightweight contender Charly Suarez. Suarez is scheduled to fight on July 11 in San Francisco and serves as the mandatory challenger for WBO junior lightweight titleholder Emanuel Navarrete. A bout between Lomachenko and Suarez would position the winner to face Navarrete.
Suarez’s path to the title has been complicated by a previous clash with Navarrete in May 2025. That fight, originally ruled a technical decision win for Navarrete, was overturned to a no-contest after video replays showed a punch, rather than an accidental head clash, caused the cut that stopped the contest. The WBO has ordered an immediate rematch between the two.
Lomachenko has been a promotional free agent since his contract with Top Rank expired earlier this month. He last fought in May 2024, securing a knockout victory over George Kambosos Jr. to win the vacant IBF lightweight title. Following his retirement, the IBF elevated Raymond Muratalla to full world titleholder status. Other potential opponents mentioned include Gervonta Davis, who faces legal issues following an arrest warrant issued in late May.
