Modern great Vasyl Lomachenko has officially hung up his gloves at 37 years old.
The Ukrainian superstar, who became a three-weight world champion in just 12 fights, hasn’t boxed since picking up the IBF lightweight title against George Kambosos Jr last May.
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Lomachenko has called time on his careerCredit: GETTY
He subsequently entered into negotiations with Gervonta Davis for a unification clash at 135lbs but pulled the plug on discussions in order to take an extended break from the ring.
During this time away from competition, Lomachenko chose to call time on his illustrious 21-fight (18-3) pro career.
Announcing the news on Thursday afternoon to his 2.2million followers, the future first ballot Hall of Famer said: “First and foremost, I want to thank my lord and saviour Jesus Christ for guiding a prideful young man down a path that repeatedly showed me that fame, legacy and recognition are not the true purposes of life.
“I am grateful for every defeat and victory, both in the ring and in life.
“I am thankful that, as my career comes to an end, I have generated clarity about the direction a person must take in order to achieve true victory.
“Not just in the ring but in the whole self. Only then can one achieve their true reward.
“I thank God for my honest and kind parents for their care, love and warmth throughout my life.
“My father [and trainer Anatoly Lomachenko] not only taught me the art of boxing but also how to be a role model for my own children, the same way he has been for me.
“I have made many mistakes in life and in the gym, but he was always by my side…
“Dear Egis [Klimas], thank you for everything you have done for me and my family.
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Lomachenko is the joint-quickest fighter to win world titles in three separate weight classesCredit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank
“You are a man who knows his craft. The best manager in the world, who became a friend and part of our family.
“Your professionalism goes hand in hand with your character…
“I want to thank Top Rank and Mr Bob Arum for the amazing opportunity to showcase my abilities in boxing…
“I would also be remiss not to thank my dear boxing fans around the world.
“You have always supported me with passion for over a decade. I hope you continue to respect and love this sport…
“Peace to all, may the lord bless his people.”
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Lomachenko defeated Kambosos Jr in his final professional boutCredit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank
Before turning over as a professional in 2013, Lomachenko enjoyed a fruitful amateur career, which included two Olympic gold medals and the compilation of a remarkable 396-1 record.
In the paid ranks, he was equally as successful, winning world titles at featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight.
Lomachenko made the ambitious decision to challenge Orlando Salido for the WBO featherweight title in only his second pro fight, resulting in a tight split decision defeat.
Refusing to take a step down in level, Loma challenged for the same world title against Gary Russell Jr when it became vacant three months later.
This time, he got his hand raised on points before embarking upon a stunning 13-fight unbeaten streak, which saw him overcome the likes of Guillermo Rigondeaux and Jorge Linares to become a three-weight world champion.
In 2019, he successfully unified three of the four major sanctioning body belts at lightweight with a win over Britain’s Luke Campbell.
But he was swiftly dethroned by Teofimo Lopez in a stunning upset.
In the years that followed, Lomachenko challenged for the undisputed 135lbs crown against Devin Haney, where he fell to a close decision loss before closing his career in style with an impressive 11th-round TKO win over Kambosos Jr.
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