The IBF have confirmed to Boxing News today that lightweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko has been granted a second medical extension.
Lomachenko first received a 60-day extension in November which was set to expire soon. But having reportedly suffered a back injury in training his return to the ring has been delayed once again. The Ukrainian great, who will celebrate his 37th birthday on February 17, last fought in May 2024 with a dismantling of George Kambosos Jr in Sydney before stopping the Aussie in round 11 to earn another world title.
Since then there has been speculation over whether Lomachenko would fight again or retire. In the meantime, the IBF’s latest medical extension will allow him to retain his title. Should Lomachenko wish to prolong his reign, however, he must fight Zaur Abdullaev, 20-1 (12 KOs), or Raymond Muratalla, 22-0 (17 KOs), by October 8. The two have been ordered by the IBF to fight for the Interim title in the meantime with the winner moving forward to face Lomachenko.
The news follows on from yesterday’s confirmation that Lomachenko’s compatriot Denys Berinchyk, 19-0 (9 KOs), will defend his WBO world title against unbeaten American Keyshawn Davis, 12-0 (8 KOs), on February 14 at Madison Square Garden Theatre, New York.
