Bob Arum has questioned Vasiliy Lomachenko’s “financial situation” as the 38-year-old looks to come out of retirement later this year.
‘The Matrix’ called time on his illustrious career in June 2025, just over a year after he claimed the IBF lightweight title with an 11th-round finish over George Kambosos Jr.
He has cemented his legacy as a three-division world champion and two-time Olympic gold medallist, but whilst leaving himself with very little to prove, it was reported earlier this week that the Ukrainian is targeting a comeback fight in the fourth quarter of 2026.
While many believe his more natural weight was 130lbs, or perhaps even 126lbs, several of Lomachenko’s most notable fights came at lightweight.
Two of these saw him suffer unanimous decision defeats to Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney, who many believe was fortunate to come away with the victory in 2023.
In any case, ‘Loma’ would have earned considerable paydays against the two Americans, with both fights taking place under Arum’s Top Rank banner.
It is perhaps no coincidence, though, that Lomachenko has decided to return to the sport after his promotional deal with Top Rank expired earlier this month.
Speaking with Fight Hub TV, veteran promoter Arum hailed the southpaw’s sublime skills while also suggesting that his comeback could be financially-motivated.
“I don’t know what his financial situation is. He earned a lot of money with us, but he lives in Ukraine and there’s a lot of problems there.
“Maybe he needs money, or maybe he’s just anxious to get out of the house. But ‘Loma’ represents the best of what boxing has to offer, so I wish him the best.
“He was a great warrior for us, and he really optimises the best in boxing.”
Arum adds that the impact of Lomachenko’s two-year layoff remains unclear, and so it is hardly worth predicting how he might fare against the younger champions and contenders in and around his weight class.
