Vasiliy Lomanchenko responds to Manny Pacquiao rumours with a decisive answer

Vasiliy Lomanchenko reveals future plans

Vasiliy Lomachenko (18-3, 12 KO’s) rose to the very top of the sport. After a glittering amateur career, boasting 396 wins with just one loss, he turned to the pro ranks in 2013, winning world honours in just his third professional fight. 

He went on to conquer three weight classes across his 21-fight career, before finally deciding to close the curtain on boxing in June this year, taking to Instagram to reveal the news in a video to his followers. 

“I’m thankful that, as my career comes to an end, I’ve gained clarity about the direction a person must take in order to achieve victory.

“My father not only taught me the art of boxing but how to be a role model for my own children – the same way he has always been for me.

“I’ve made many mistakes in life, and in the gym, but he has always been by my side.”

Despite deciding to move on from the sport less than six months ago. He has more recently been linked to a fight with a resurgent Manny Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KO’s). 

‘The Pacman’ has seen his name swirling around the top of the boxing world following a spirited performance against a much younger Mario Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KO’s), where he was unlucky to walk away with draw - despite much of the boxing world seeing him as the deserving victor. 

A fight with Lomanchenko would appear to make sense on paper, with both men attracting huge pay-per-view numbers, and the winner would be catapulted to world title contention based on name-sake alone. 

However, speaking to Fight News, Lomanchenko revealed his decision to retire from the ring.

“It was not difficult because I lost my motivation.”

He continued with a definitive answer to the Manny Pacquiao rumours.

“It makes no sense talking about [potential fights] because I’m finished with boxing.”

Pacquiao seems set on continuing his career in the ring, having previously stated that he will continue to box as long as his body feels strong. 

It's unclear who his next fight will be against, though Lomanchenko is officially out of the race.