LO AND BEHOLD
Three-weight world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko retires after more than 400 FIGHTS in lengthy video
It brings an end to one of boxing's most unprecedented careers
BOXING great Vasiliy Lomachenko has announced his retirement - bringing the end to an iconic career.
Lomachenko has the greatest amateur record of all time, winning 396 times with just one loss - which he avenged.
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As a professional, the masterful southpaw won titles at feather, super-feather and lightweight.
And he dazzled fans with his incredible footwork, combination punching and speed.
He beat George Kambosos last May in Australia but has not fought since - rejecting talks to later fight Gervonta Davis.
It cast doubt over his future in the sport - and now Loma has confirmed his retirement in a lengthy Instagram video.
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He thanked his family, including his dad and coach Anatoly, his manager Egis Klimas, long-time promoter Bob Arum and the fans.
Loma turned pro in 2013 - a year after the London Games - and did so after winning double Olympic gold.
He wanted to fight for world title on his DEBUT - but was unable to do so without a ranking.
Loma beat Jose Luis Ramírez in four quick rounds before challenging Orlando Salido for the WBO featherweight title.
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But Salido - a part-time Uber driver - upset Loma and used veteran tactics to edge out a points decision.
That did not deter Loma, though, as he bounced back with victory over Gary Russell Jr in his next fight to become champ after just three bouts.
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The southpaw sensation then went on an unbeaten run over 13 fights and five years - winning titles at 126lb, 130lb and 135lb.
Loma fought at lightweight despite being vastly oversized by his opponents - something that would inevitably catch up with him.
Teofimo Lopez stunned him in 2020 to win the unified titles and three years later, Devin Haney would controversially beat Loma on points.
Loma returned 12 months later to stop Kambosos in 11 rounds - winning back the IBF belt - but he later vacated the strap.
And despite being linked with big-money bouts against the likes of Davis and Shakur Stevenson - it marked the end of the road for one of the sport's greatest.
Loma was a fighter inside and outside of the ring - signing up to defend his country after Russia's invasion in February 2022.
He enlisted with the Territorial Defence Forces - but eventually returned to boxing to resume his career.
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Loma hangs up his gloves with 418 total fights - amateur and pro - 414 wins, just four losses and a host of gold medals and world title belts.
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