“Thank God for everything”: Vasyl Lomachenko announces retirement from boxing

Vasyl Lomachenko. Photo: Screenshot from the video

On June 5, 2025, renowned Ukrainian boxer, Olympic champion, and devout Orthodox Christian Vasyl Lomachenko announced his retirement from professional boxing.

In a special video message, Lomachenko thanked God, his family, and all those who had accompanied him on his journey in the world of professional sports.

“There comes a time in every boxer’s life when he hangs up his gloves. For us, that day has come,” Lomachenko said at the beginning of his address.

The central message of the video was not regret, but gratitude to God for everything that had happened: “First and foremost, I want to thank our Lord Jesus Christ for all He has done for me – for leading a small, vain boy along a path that showed him recognition and fame are not the ultimate purpose of life.”

Lomachenko noted that it was only at the end of his career that he came to understand the true direction a person must take to win:
“Not to win in the ring, but to conquer the old self and ultimately receive the true reward.”

He expressed deep gratitude to his parents – especially his father, who was not only his trainer but also a moral guide – as well as to his family, coaches, and managers, emphasizing that “human qualities are more important than professional achievements.”

In conclusion, he thanked his fans and all who followed his career: “You always supported me with passion and shared in those unforgettable fights over the years. I hope you will continue to love boxing and treat it with respect. Because the guys who step into the ring risk their health for the sake of their families.”

Lomachenko reminded viewers that the true goal of human life is not earthly glory, but a spiritual victory – a victory over oneself and the gaining of Christ.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Vasyl Lomachenko had spoken about the difference between the UOC and the OCU.

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