Star boxer Lomachenko turns down a world-title shot and joined the Ukraine Territorial Defense

The Kyiv Independent tweeted that Lomachenko has canceled to fight Australian boxing champion George Kambosos on June 5. Vasyl Anatoliyovych Lomachenko, more commonly known as Vasiliy Lomachenko, is a Ukrainian professional boxer. He is a former three-weight champion and pound-for-pound master, who returned home to enlist in Ukraine’s territorial army and help fight off invading Russian troops last month.

Loma lost his belts to Teofimo Lopez in a big upset at the end of 2020 but bounced back last year with two good wins which put him in a position to fight for the titles again. This 34-year-old joined the territorial defense battalion in Ukraine working a security detail on the border during the war, which began last month when Russia invaded.

Just days after the war began, Lomachenko was seen holding a rifle and wearing army fatigues and he’s been in the country fighting ever since. Lomachenko is truly an inspiration for the youth. He gave his chance to win a historic fight but now has a bigger fight on his hands which is to protect his country. According to promoter DiBella, “Egis confirmed to us today that he will stay in Ukraine, and that is commendable. We believe the fight he is fighting is much bigger than boxing. And our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, and with the Ukrainian people.”

 

⚡️ Lomachenko cancels title bout due to Russian invasion.

Vasyl Lomachenko was scheduled to fight Australian boxing champion George Kambosos on June 5.

According to promoter Lou DiBella, the fight is off because Lomachenko stayed in Ukraine & joined the Territorial Defense.

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) March 22, 2022