Former two-division undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk has publicly spoken out in support of Vasiliy Lomachenko's decision to resume his professional career. In an interview with DAZN, the Ukrainian admitted that he is sincerely happy about his colleague and friend's return to the big ring, expressing his conviction that serious ambitions stand behind this move. Usyk's statement came amid growing public interest in what Lomachenko's first fight after a long hiatus will look like and what tournament trajectory promoters have built for him.
Usyk's Words in the DAZN Interview
Addressing the DAZN audience, Usyk did not hide his emotions: "I'm very glad that Vasiliy is coming back. I think he wants to become the undisputed world champion. I want that for him. God bless him," he stated. According to Usyk, Lomachenko's return is not just the comeback of one of the brightest fighters of the last generation, but a step driven by the pursuit of the summit. Usyk emphasized that he believes in his friend's motivation and is ready to morally support him along this path, highlighting the strong personal relationship between the two leading Ukrainian boxers.
Last Bout and More Than a Two-Year Hiatus
As a reminder, Vasiliy Lomachenko has not stepped into the ring since May 2024. In that bout, he effectively defeated Australian George Kambosos by technical knockout in the eleventh round, claiming the IBF lightweight belt. More than two years have passed since then, during which Lomachenko has not fought a single professional match. For a fighter who held titles in three weight classes simultaneously at his peak, such a pause came as a surprise and sparked numerous speculation about whether he would continue his boxing career or retire for good.
February 2027: Charlie Suarez and the Tournament Path to the Undisputed Title
According to promoters' plans, Lomachenko's return to the ring is expected in February 2027. In his comeback fight, he will face undefeated Filipino boxer Charlie Suarez. However, this bout is viewed merely as the starting point of a long journey: the winner will later face a series of challenging matches against opponents such as O'Shaquie Foster, Anthony Cacace, and Nick Ball. The ultimate goal of the promoters is to determine the undisputed world champion, transforming Lomachenko's return into a full-fledged tournament project rather than a standalone bout.
Context: Usyk's Final Fight and the General Background in the Heavyweight and Lightweight Divisions
Usyk's remarks about Lomachenko came against the backdrop of news regarding the Ukrainian champion's own career. Earlier, David Benavidez announced his readiness to face Oleksandr Usyk in what could be the final fight of his career, adding drama to the overall picture: both leading Ukrainian boxers are at turning points in their professional paths. Usyk is considering retirement after one more significant bout, while Lomachenko, on the contrary, is just beginning a new cycle aimed at reclaiming undisputed status. Thus, the support Usyk showed Lomachenko in the DAZN interview sounds not just like a friendly word, but as a signal that a new stage is forming in Ukrainian boxing, where two legendary fighters will compete for public attention and the most prestigious titles.
